364. Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543),

German, Anne of Cleves, 1539. Tempera on paper

mounted on canvas, 65 x 48 cm. Musée du Louvre, Paris.

 

 

Hans Holbein the Younger

(1497 Augsburg – 1543 London)

 

The genius of Holbein blossomed early. His native city of Augsburg was then at the zenith of its greatness; on the highroad between Italy and the north, it was the richest commercial city in Germany, and the frequent halting-place of the Emperor Maximilian. His father, Hans Holbein the Elder, was himself a painter of merit, and took his son into his studio. In 1515, when he was eighteen years old, he moved to Basel, the centre of learning, whose boast was that every house in it contained at least one learned man. He set out for London with a letter of introduction to Sir Thomas Moore, the King's Chancellor, “Master Haunce,” as the English called him, arriving towards the close of 1526. Here Holbein was welcomed, and made his home during this first visit to England. He painted portraits of many of the leading men of the day, and executed drawings for a picture of the family of his patron. He soon became a renowned Northern Renaissance portrait painter of major contemporary figures. His work typically includes amazing details showing natural reflections through glass or the intricate weave of elegant tapestry. By 1537 Holbein had come to the notice of Henry VIII, and was established as court painter, a position he held until his death.