In this fascinating documentary, historian Dr Nicola Tallis and author Franny Moyle dissect and unravel the meaning behind the famous paintings of the Tudor Court depicted by the renowned artist, Hans Holbein the Younger.
Born in Ausburg in 1497, Holbein worked as a painter and printmaker in Basel before moving to England in 1526 and being commissioned by the likes of Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell and Erasmus. So impressive was his style of painting that by 1535 he had become King's Painter to perhaps the most famous monarch of the Tudor dynasty, King Henry VIII. When we envisage Henry VIII, we undoubtedly picture his portrait painted by Hans Holbein the Younger.
Yet his résumé extended beyond portraits of the king. Perhaps his most impressive piece of artwork was of 'The Ambassadors', which he painted in 1533. The attention to detail in the piece and Holbein's ability to portray depth of field has led many to consider him one of the greatest portraitists in history.
Up Next in Season 1
-
The Vikings in the Vicarage
The Viking dig in the grounds of St Wystan Church in Repton is one of the most important Viking sites of modern times. Recently new research has brought to light new information which further elevates the significance of the site and redefines our knowledge of the Great Heathen Army. The Great He...
-
Temple Church and William the Marshal
Just east of where the Strand turns into Fleet Street in London, there is a small stone archway. Walking through it, one stumbles across a hidden world – one that is leafy, serene and historic. Most of the people who wind their way here don’t realise that the whole area was actually the stronghol...
-
Medieval Kings: Henry VII
Sean Cunningham, Head of Medieval Records at the National Archives, answers key questions about Henry VII. From his unexpected rise to the throne to his founding of England's most famous royal dynasty: the Tudors.
