King Henry VIII (1491–1547)
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1500 - 1599
Materials
Oil on oak panel
Measurements
560 x 440 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129166
Caption
This portrait of the King is large for the panel, and the fact that it is not centrally placed suggests that it may be a fragment of a larger composition. Traditionally it has been described as a portrait after Holbein, taking inspiration from the mural at Whitehall, which was destroyed by fire in 1698. Many such portraits were copied from Holbein’s original, either at the king’s command, or in several cases, on the actions of noblemen attempting to ingratiate themselves with the monarch.
Summary
Oil painting on oak panel, King Henry VIII (1491–1547), British (English) School, 16th century. A head-and-shoulders portrait, facing, in grey robe with gold chains and black cap decorated with jewels and ostrich feather. This is derived from Holbein's portrait of the King in the destroyed Whitehall mural.
Provenance
In inventory of the contents of Hardwick Hall made in 1601 and attached to the will of Elizabeth Hardwick,Countess of Shrewsbury (c.1520-1608); and thence by descent until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959
Credit line
Hardwick Hall, The Devonshire Collection (acquired through the National Land Fund and transferred to The National Trust in 1959)
Marks and inscriptions
at top Henricus VIII
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist