The Queen’s Gallery: Holbein’s Tudor court portraits to go on display

Drawings, paintings and miniatures by Holbein, considered by experts as one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century, will form the largest group of the artist’s works from the Royal Collection to be exhibited in more than 30 years.

Holbein at the Tudor Court, which runs from 10th November until 14th April, will highlight works from Holbein’s time at court in the first half of the 16th century, when he rose to become the most important artist in Tudor England.

“Close examination and technical analysis has allowed us to understand more about these endlessly fascinating works, which reveal so much about Holbein and his work as an artist in Tudor England.”

Kate Heard, curator of the exhibition

Groups of 15 or more qualify for discounted rates to see the exhibition, plus private morning visits or evening talks can also be arranged.

Kate Heard, curator of the exhibition, said: “Holbein’s brilliant success at the Tudor court was due to his mastery of his art. His exquisite drawings and paintings were made using the techniques he had learned as an apprentice, but his impressive skill with these traditional materials saw him celebrated by contemporaries, as he is still celebrated today.

“It is easy to understand why the men and women of Henry VIII’s court sought a portrait from Holbein as a mark of success, a record of a loved one or a gift between friends.” 

What to expect

The exhibition will examine Holbein’s artistic techniques, his career in England and the lives of the men and women who commissioned his portraits, from members of the Tudor royal family to writers, churchmen and senior figures at court.

At the heart of the space will be over 40 portrait drawings, which were probably acquired by Henry VIII at the time of artist’s death. These sketches, made in preparation for finished paintings, were taken during personal sittings, when Holbein sought to capture the essential features of his subject.

While these drawings cannot be on permanent display for conservation reasons, the exhibition will give visitors the rare opportunity to come face to face with some of the key figures of the Tudor court, from Anne Boleyn to Sir Thomas More. There will also be two original drawings alongside their resulting paintings to show the artist’s working process.

Kate Heard added: “Looking closely at the pieces in the exhibition, we can see Holbein at work, refining and altering as he goes to achieve the most perfect image that he can create. Close examination and technical analysis has allowed us to understand more about these endlessly fascinating works, which reveal so much about Holbein and his work as an artist in Tudor England.”