Hans Holbein's Portrait Drawings: A View of the Tudor Court

If you are looking for a way to come face-to-face with the past, with the men and women of Henry VIII's court and family, I believe that the preparatory portrait drawings of Hans Holbein the Younger is a spectacular resource. We're exploring them today...
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Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
Images (all held by the Royal Collection and sourced from Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise stated):
Self-portrait of Hans Holbein the Younger (1542 or 1543 - gold background of a later date). Held by the Uffizi Museum.
Portrait drawing of Simon George of Cornwall by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1535).
Portrait of Simon George of Cornwall by Hans Holbein the Younger (between 1536 and 1537). Held by the Städel Museum.
Portrait drawing of Margaret, Lady Butts by Hans Holbein the Younger (between c.1541 and c.1543).
Portrait of Lady Margaret Butts by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1543). Held by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Portrait drawing of Elizabeth, Lady Vaux by Hans Holbein the Younger (circa 1536).
Portrait of Elizabeth, Lady Vaux after Hans Holbein (16th century). Held by the Prague Castle Picture Gallery.
Portrait drawing of Lady Audley by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1538).
Portrait Miniature of Lady Audley by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1538).
Portrait drawing of Sir Thomas Strange of Hunstanton by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1536).
Portrait of Sir Thomas Strange of Hunstanton by Hans Holbein the Younger (1536). Held by the Kimbell Art Museum.
Portrait drawing of Elizabeth, Lady Rich by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1535-40).
Portrait of Elizabeth, Lady Rich by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1540). Held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Portrait drawing of George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1532-43).
Portrait of George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham after Hans Holbein the Younger (after 1544).
Portrait drawing of Queen Jane Seymour by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1536).
Portrait of Queen Jane Seymour by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1536-1537). Held by the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Hans Holbein the Younger’s study for the Family Portrait of Thomas More (c.1527). Held by the Kupferstichkabinett, Öffentliche Kunstsammlung, Basel. From left to right: Elizabeth Dauncy (neé More), Margaret Giggs, John More Snr, Anne Cresacre, Thomas More, John More Jnr, Henry Patenson, Cecilia (or Cecily) Heron (neé More), Margaret Roper (neé More), Alice More.
The seven surviving portrait drawings linked to Hans Holbein the Younger’s study for the Family Portrait of Thomas More (c.1526-1527). Elizabeth Dauncy (neé More), Margaret Giggs, John More Snr, Anne Cresacre, Thomas More, John More Jnr, Cecilia (or Cecily) Heron (neé More).
Painting of Sir Thomas More and Family by Rowland Lockey after Hans Holbein the Younger (1592). Held by Nostell Priory.
Two portrait drawings of Sir Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1526-1527).
Portrait of Sir Thomas by Hans Holbein the Younger (1527). Held by The Frick Collection.
Portrait of Thomas Cromwell by Hans Holbein the Younger (1532-1533). Held by The Frick Collection.
Portrait drawing of an unidentified woman (formerly identified as Eleanor Brandon) by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1532-1543).
Portrait drawing of Frances, Countess of Surrey by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1532-1533).
Portrait drawing of an unidentified woman (formerly identified as Anne of Cleves’ sister, Amelia) by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1532-1543).
Portrait drawing of the Lady Parker (most likely Grace) by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1530s).
Portrait drawing of the Lady Ratcliffe (most likely Elizabeth) by Hans Holbein the Younger (c. 1532-1543).
Portrait drawing of a woman (later inscribed in gold over red "Anna Bollein Queen") by Hans Holbein the Younger (c. 1533-1536).
The face of the lead medal intended to celebrate the coronation of Anne Boleyn (1534). Held by the British Museum. Image from www.britishmuseum.org/collect....
Portrait drawing of a lady (called Anne Boleyn) by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1532-1535). Held by the British Museum.

[@christinepaige2575]

For me, Holbein’s portrait drawings are so precious because unlike the very stiff, highly stylized portraiture that was predominant at the time (and also during the reign of Elizabeth), they show us the way these individuals _really_ looked with as close to what we think of as photographic accuracy as was achievable. The accurate portrayal of these individual faces clearly was Holbein’s main objective, and it has puzzled me that conveying such life-likeness seemed unimportant to so many portraitists of that time. It can’t be because no other artist had anything approaching Holbein’s talent; I’ve always thought that for some reason it must have been regarded as almost taboo to draw people in this way; perhaps it was considered almost indecently personal. Yet, if this collection of drawings has been owned by reputable people down through the centuries, could that really be the case? I wonder if Holbein was influenced by the highly realistic portrait busts that survive from Roman times which allow us to see, for example, what the emperors we read about in history books actually looked like in life. In any case, I revere Holbein’s greatness in giving us this marvelous window on people of the past.

[@-Reagan]

I agree. I think it’s on par with bare faced photos vs. photoshopped ones, today. When celebs take photos of their natural bodies and their faces without makeup they’re considered ‘brave’ and people come out of the wallpaper to say how stunning they look. They do admire the bravery and sense of exposing vulnerability. This is key to the ability to empathize with them as real people who are naturally unique and flawed. It’s just themselves - but, yes, it’s more personal. It’s intimidating for many people to look on themselves as they really are. Primarily, I think, because we are all primed to prefer ideals and people are typically reticent to reveal their flaws. Over time, as beauty ideals change, we see so many portraits (or photos) that look so much alike in features that they blend together. People want perfect photos to use for representation online/for business, social media or public relations. We don’t seem to realize how precious our differences are, how much more interesting they are, then or now. TL;DR Much the same as now! Many people who would see these Tudor portraits would never know these people in person and that’s how they wanted to be perceived as and, recalled - as idealistic as possible to fit the beauty ideals of the time. I always get excited when I look up someone and find a Holbein, because I know it will be a more unique, presumably accurate representation. I have noticed that even Holbein adhered to a fine line between pleasing his audience and patrons, and painting the truth. He uses angles very skillfully to flatter in many cases and, I love how he revealed a single face through two flattering angles that (slyly) allow you to see the depth/dimension of a face and therefore capture the truth between two angles. For instance, the portraits of Anne of Cleves (I believe) which, when drawn straight on, obscure the shape and length of her nose, that can be seen in the profile. TL;DR Much the same, as now! I shall always take realistic photos of myself!

[@LenaFerrari]

I think other artists were more concerned with the message the portrait would send (power, richness, etc), than with what reality looked like Idk why holbein had a different inclination, but I'm certainly glad he did It's also interesting that his finished pieces look less personal than his sketches. Almost like he knew the realism was more important to him than to the commissioners

[@StarrySoakedSky]

Where was this woman when I was bored out of my skull in history class? I would’ve LOVED history class if she was my teacher

[@scattygirl1]

Talking to one listener (the viewer) is vastly different from talking to a class of 20+. Just as watching a video when it suits you is vastly different from attending a lesson when it doesn't. Listening (and talking) without any interruptions, or technical hitches, is also completely different. I guarrantee that if she taught a history lesson in a classroom with 25 students of varying degrees of attention span, interest level or motivation, she would seem less impressive. That is no criticism of her- just the difference between real life and Youtubing.

[@ruurdjesteur7932]

@@scattygirl1 Much as I admire her expertise, the subtitles are a disgrace. I am deaf so I depend on subtitles. I hope she will read my complaint and try to rectify this unfortunate atrocity.-.

[@alisonwg8726]

I also hated history in HS. But I tool Art History in college and it was just like this... I loved it. Dr. Kat is awesome!

[@nikkithompson24]

Battery acid I agree! I’m so glad I saw her channel,she’s awesome!!

[@p.s.shnabel3409]

@@ruurdjesteur7932 My guess is, the subtitles are generated by a program, not a human. Dr. Kat's dyslexia would work against her in this context. And I don't think she's making enough to be able to pay for human input? Perhaps your plight might motivate a kind subscriber to change this...that would be great!

[@AB-vv7fl]

I really prefer the portrait drawings over the portraits. The features are more open and give you a deeper feeling for the subject.

[@ReadingthePast]

I agree!

[@suemount6042]

Me too

[@3John-Bishop]

@@ReadingthePast at 22:30 if one of these is Anne it has to be the one on the left. I dont see Henry falling madly in love the one on the right.

[@whaleymom76]

I completely agree. Also, the subjects look kinder in the sketches. Thomas Moore, for example, looks open and kind in the sketches and almost cruel in the paintings

[@JadeLeaf1980]

Yes, he captured the soul and characters more in the drawings, they looked very stoic and a bit dead eyed in the final paintings. The drawings have life and light in their eyes, I can see the person more even though there’s less colour and detail. 🥰

[@DiamondCutter423]

A couple months ago I bought a hard copy of those portraits, it's called " Holbein Drawings at Windsor Castle" , and you're right, that face of that third unknown girl is remarkable and has always stood out to me too. Holbein uncovered the secret of capturing and transferring peoples essence and energy through time, with his portraits. You feel like you've been in the same room with the person just from looking at Holbein's drawings. It's fascinating.

[@rach_laze]

Holy moly the velvet on the Thomas Moore portrait is incredible

[@justineharper3346]

It’s gorgeous!

[@wanketta]

I will always remember that in 1983 I saw an exhibit of some of Hans Holbein the Younger’s sketches/portraits at the Morgan Library in NYC. I left in tears as they were so very realistic, and emotionally impactful. The portraits seemed modern to me. He was gifted at capturing personality, surely more skilled than the majority of his peers. Thank you!

[@jennaolbermann7663]

They are so realistic, almost like a photograph.

[@KimTpring]

I had the inexpressible joy of seeing Holbein's portrait of Jane Seymour when it toured Minneapolis. DaVinci and Holbein are my two top favorite artists. I love your lecture on Holbein!!!! Keep up the good work, Dr. Kat.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

I think one of the most brilliant portrait artists of all time. He didn't shrink from accuracy but still gave his subjects dignity--apparently whether of not he liked them. Remarkable.

[@kristenrock1733]

With Holbein's drawings you get a true taste of not only Tudor fashion ,but the true likeness of these people who lived among Henry's court . His drawings seem like you said modern ,as well as haunting to the us viewers .

[@jenluv]

I wish time travel were possible... Some of these drawings really do look like they could have been drawn today! Excellent video, as always, Dr. Kat!

[@chanteloconnell8919]

Me too!!

[@Justsomebody009]

Yeah how cool would it be for a holiday to go to the past. I love history and one day I honestly do hope I can go the Tudor era.

[@VetsrisAuguste]

I’m curious what you mean by, “could have been drawn today”. Is that a reference to the quality of the technique or the state of preservation of the sketches? Keep in mind, technical precision and clean execution in art are not exclusive to the present any more than sloppy technique and poor execution are exclusive to the past.

[@AnnMarieKing]

Portrait 3 of 5 ... what an open, serene visage. There is an ease to the subject's gaze that seems very self assured, almost casual and not typical of women of her era. Perhaps why you find her so striking.

[@ckcribbs8577]

I'm 6 months late in posting this but I thought the "Lady #3" drawing was Anne Boleyn as soon as I saw it. The dark eyes and hair, the detail of the face instantly reminded me of the description of Anne having "black and beautiful" eyes that were captivating. Another description was that she wore high neck/collar dresses, the lady in drawing is wearing this style.Your "Traces of Anne Boleyn" video has me convinced that the portrait said to be her is actually Mary Tudor. I think it is more likely that a drawing of Anne would survive destruction. The other things that stands out in this drawing are her sleeves and lapel. They look very modern and completely different when compared to the other four, whose dresses look very standard for the time.

[@wailingapplecore7558]

The lady Parker portrait really connects with me for some reason- she looks so ethereal and soft to me, like a fairy 💕

[@o_doris]

A school friend of mine bought me a book of Holbein's Tudor court drawings some years back :) Uh, I was transfixed by them! As you say, they make you feel so much more connected with these people of the past... Holbein was a marvellous artist. I really wish he'd been commissioned to paint a portrait of Elizabeth or Mary. Although, the portrait of Elizabeth as a young girl is very beautiful and Holbein-esque...

[@anthony111isevilok]

Luckily a drawing of Mary I by Holbein survives but the condition is pretty worn but when you look at it, you can tell it's Mary because of the resemblance to her portraits as queen 😊 it's quite wonderful!

[@borikkiv]

The drawings are amazing, when you see the finished portraits, even though they are undoubtedly masterful, they lose something that the drawings had. The expression in them is clearer and more compelling. I wonder if the "Ann Boleyn" drawing on the right is of someone ill? The eyes are looking sad, away and down, and the clothing would make sense if they were not well.

[@ReadingthePast]

Some have suggested that the double chin is actually a sign of illness or thyroid issues. A later commentator known for his snideness (Nicholas Sanders) claimed that Anne had a large "wen" on her neck that she made attempts to hide.

[@ssg8051]

My thoughts as well

[@clare5one]

@@ReadingthePast A "wen" is a sebaceous cyst, which has nothing to do with a thyroid condition. Unless they misnamed it.

[@ReadingthePast]

@@clare5one I believe it was used to refer to any number of conditions at the time. Some have drawn a connection with "scrofula" - which is another ailment whose modern form is being debated. One suggestion is that it referred to lymphatic TB, which results in swollen lymph nodes.

[@strandedinseattle9931]

@@ReadingthePast I believe you are just overthinking it. it looks like the indentation made from the bonnet string keeping her cap tight.. look at how the ear pieces are being pulled toward it, as it would if a string of some nature were under the chin to anchor the bonnet. the string then continues on the ear flap itself and then loops around the back.

[@004mcdonald]

Gosh wish I had you when I was in school. I am 70 and there is only one teacher I have never forgotten. English teacher who brought Shakespeare to life for me. Now there is you and your very talented presentation and knowledge. Carry on Dr. Kat

[@kragary]

I find the second of the five women intriguing because she looks so sad. I wonder why. Was she a melancholy personality, or did she have a particular reason to be unhappy? The third woman looks haughty, almost contemptuous. I think the theory that she could have been Anne B. is fascinating. Her look is so direct, almost challenging; whoever she was, I get the impression she was fearless.

[@kreviews3412]

She fits the description of having a wide mouth and beautful black eyes

[@joycestewart4893]

Hans Holbein the Younger is absolutely one of my favorite artists (of all time). It was he who gave us the fantasy image of Henry VIII. His draft drawings are almost as interesting as his final paintings. He was excellent at capturing personality. Thank you for doing this.

[@susannebrown3255]

On the artist, personally I thought his sketches more life like than the portraits. On the Anne sketches, I see why they weren’t included. The first sketch of Anne is the closest to what she might have looked like because of the portrait of Anne that you showed in a previous episode. ❤️ this space/channel. Luv history, glad that you are sharing with us. Thanks🇨🇦

[@jonathanhollis3205]

I completely have to agree with you Susanne. The sketches give much more insight into the person's mood and are much more lifelike. Can't believe I've never come across these.

[@TheMogregory]

Very happy I met you Dr Kat. I too am an historian and am amazed that anything new could be said about the Tudor period. But you've done just that. The content of your videos is great and your presentation of the material excellent. No personal agenda showing! Open minded and open for discussion. Very well done indeed. Thank you.

[@karenguidry6110]

I think the lady you connected with looks like YOU!!! She also looks like she has a keen intelligence and a wicked sense of humor; like she could whisper something scandalous to you at a party while still maintaining a straight face😂

[@loribraley7613]

I totally agree

[@ReadingthePast]

Now you've got me blushing with your flattery! ☺️

[@ThePiratecookies]

I agree too! Looks just like her, uncanny.

[@rebeccalewis4754]

I was checking the comments to see if I was the only one. The lady in pink looks like Dr. Kat or her sister.

[@OwnedByAGrey]

I just commented the same! I should have scrolled through first. I’m glad I’m not the only one to have seen the resemblance.

[@mcbrineart]

As a painter & portrait artist, although I am obsessed with English history in general and Tudor history in particular, I am mostly obsessed with the portraits we have, especially those by Holbein. To me this is the closest we will get to knowing what these people actually looked like, not some idealized image a lesser artist would portray. I have always loved the drawings best as his drawings are better than his paintings. I believe these drawings were done mainly as reference to make the painting as they could be done fairly quickly and then the artist could trace or copy the photo onto the canvas to get started quickly on the piece. I once had the privilege to view a show of many of these drawings and I could see where the drawings had been traced over certain areas like the outline of the eyes, the line of the mouth and indications of the location of the nose and face shape. When it comes to Anne, to my eye, both of those drawings are probably Anne. First of all, John Cheke was well aware of Anne's appearance. The eye colour that people assume is light & blue in the younger image may have changed with time, appeared lighter due to how the sitter was lit (even dark eyes can appear lighter when bright light shines on them) or a drawing decision to see more detail in the eye - as noted elsewhere here, sometimes drawings that appear to have light eyes, in the painting they are dark. Since the drawings are reference for the painting, and likely resided, put away, in a drawer or portfolio somewhere, not framed and hung, Henry would likely been unaware of their existence or location to destroy them. Have you seen the Pinterest image where someone flipped the livelier drawing of Anne that is facing to the right and compared both ""Anne Bollein Queen" drawings in the collection side by side? The features are very similar and line up with the exception of the nose which is sharper in the younger image and could be accounted for by drawing differences, keeping in mind these are drawings not photographs! I mean, we all can look drastically different, depending on the angle of the shot, in photographs so think of differences that would happen in drawings done perhaps years apart. With age, pregnancy, weight gain there are changes in us all - eyebrows become more sparse and lighter, people may have more fullness under chin (but this is also accounted for with a string holding on the cap and the fact she is looking down) also. The portrait medal, along with a cartoon sketch recently identified of Anne at her coronation are the only contemporary images we have. In both, she is wearing a gable hood and shows a long oval face and a distinctive mouth, full yet pursed, and some swelling under the chin and a shallow jaw/chin (does not project much). These features are in both drawings as well. There are some accounts that say she had a goiter (although by her enemies, so grain of salt needed) so this is possibly why she had this distinctive looking area just under the chin and upper throat. By the way, I would love to hear your thoughts on the image I sent you on Twitter of Anne of Cleves and the portrait some historians have labeled to be Catherine Howard. I think they are both Anne of Cleves, based on the very similar features & face, especially those heavily lidded eyes. I drew a french hood over so it is easier to see how much these two images are alike. Keep in mind also, they are works of art, not photos! The painting by Holbein is flattering as it is the best angle for a prominent nose. The miniature to me does not represent a very young girl, rather a woman of at least her mid-twenties. I am convinced these are both Anne since all we know for sure about the miniature is that it was one of Henry's queens since she is wearing the same jewellery that Jane Seymour sported in her portrait. And, wouldn't it be more likely that a painting of Anne of Cleves would survive, from the same time period, rather than another executed queen?

[@jenniferholden9397]

I prefer the originals rather than the finished portraits. Just me.

[@wanketta]

Jennifer Holden Agreed. He lost something in the transition from drawing to paint.

[@p.s.shnabel3409]

@@wanketta Flattery....he had to paint to fit with the beauty standards of the time. The rough drafts probably already don't show skin blemishes, really bad teeth etc. Holbein would have shown these drafts to his paying client before working on the official portrait. And he must have been very good at reading their body language, and alter his art as necessary. At least, that would be my guess. After all, that's exactly how professional photographers work today; change just enough to flatter but not enough to alter completely.

[@LH-ro2ot]

Me too. They seem to capture the real person.

[@margaretaskew5937]

So do I. They look more natural and real.

[@r.l.stroud9633]

I do as well. They are more vibrant than the portrait, especially if the sitter was dark-eyed or had very deep eyes--perhaps they sat in daylight facing a window, but the official paintings are done in a dark library or something? As for the 3 versions (allegedly) of Anne Boleyn, both of the pictures seem to portray someone with dark golden hair and the image on the coin is no help at all, except that the portrait with the wider face pictures a woman in the same headdress and garments.

[@finch45lear]

Holbein is in a class all by himself. His work is breathtaking. Thanks for the videos Dr. Kat !!!

[@Kbaltrush]

The 4th portrait drawing is the most striking to me. The structure of the woman’s face is so unusual, and there is a sense of despair about it. Striking about them all is the direct gaze of these woman, when so few of the final portraits have any subject straight on.

[@janellkean512]

Thank you Dr. Kat for bringing these drawings to the present. My father, who worked and worked and worked, took time out of his schedule to take me (and only me...the 7th of his 8 children) to see the Holbein Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas in the late 1980s. I was mesmerized. I am now a teacher with a degree in History. You brought back so many fond memories. Again, Thank You.

[@kittfrances]

Is there any chance that the left 'Anne' portrait could actually be of her sister Mary Boleyn? They are two obviously different sitters, but I can see a familial resemblance, especially in the mouth shape that seems to be depicted on the medal as well. And I can see a likeness between the face on the left and the portrait of Mary Boleyn by an unknown artist (I'm guessing a copy done at a later date?). Some confusion could have sprung up if they were both said to be Boleyns, but Sir John Cheek had met neither. I think the portrait in the undercap has a strong resemblance to the medal (the chin especially looks identical!), and it does look like Anne's 'little neck'!

[@birdbrain9625]

The unknown lady is very striking with a swarthy complexion and clearly stands out from the other portraits.

[@jillymo527]

Dr. Kat, as an amateur Tudor historian (it's my hobby 😁), I really love your videos! Just when I think I've learned enough about the Tudor period, you present information that is fresh to my ears, and my intellect could not be more grateful! Pertaining to this video, the drawings are so much more "alive" than the paintings, in my opinion. Something gets lost in the transition to canvas. The faces lose some of their detail and sometimes do not look as realistic as the drawings. Personally, I trust the drawings to be a truer representative of the appearance of each subject. I also agree with you about the two drawings supposedly of Anne Boleyn. They are not. Interestingly, Anne Boleyn and Mr. Holbein are two of my fantasy dinner party guests!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

He was a wonderful artist. I thought Anne of Cleves was gorgeous and this unknown woman really looks like a person you could know. I think in many of these drawings the subjects look much more real to me. I really think that what is so odd about these drawings is that they look very real and in his finished portraits there were probably more constraints as more people would see them and they probably had to be executed in a style of that period whereas the drawings were just people as he saw them if you follow me. I think the downcast eyes of the finished portraits has a lot to do with our reaction to the drawings which look right at us and therefore elicit an emotional response absent when viewing the portraits. As for the Anne Bolyen pictures. I think the sketches are of the same woman as the set of the jaw and mouth is identical even if they're from different sides and as for the medal, I can't see a face in it and couldn't the last time you showed it...it could as easily be a medal with a potato on it as represent a person (albeit a potato with a veil thingie on lol!).

[@tonymeads4693]

For me Hand Holbein was the greatest artist ever. His paintings and drawings show his subjects as real people and bring them to life as no other artist could.

[@teresabailey8508]

Holbein’s portraits, Keith Michell as Henry VIII, and Glenda Jackson’s Elizabeth R absolutely shaped my life-long (starting age 9) love of the Tudor and Elizabethan period, and history in general.

[@kimberli8225]

Ditto on Kieth Michelle and Glenda Jackson . I don't believe any of these woman are Ann . The metal does look like a potato with a head dress on. why would Henry have all the Portraits destroyed but keep these sketches? Also he hated Katherine Howard so much as to have lime sprinkled on her remains but allowed paintings of her to remain in existence? Also some of the Portraits look far to old to be Katherine Howard. 64 yr.old Florida Girl

[@suemiller9842]

I've just discovered your channel, WOW!!! I wish my gran was still alive, she loved history. She was born into the late Victorian era, and therefore only received minimum schooling, but her love of books made her one of the smartest people I've ever known. She passed her love of learning onto me, - the greatest legacy she could have given me. Thanks for a great channel, keep safe.

[@roriemarie2968]

It is possible Henry's kept it unnamed on purpose and maybe seeing her in a nightcap made him think of intimate moments with her. Maybe deep down he continued to love her in his own way I don't know. Either one of these women could have been AB.. there's something captivating about each one of their faces.

[@charlotrisch5138]

I think this a possibility. It could be those portraits are pictures of anne and mary bolyne one dark and mysterious smart firey. The other blonde fair complient. Def worth pondering. Id like to add that my younger sister and i have the same faces. My sister has olive skin dark eyes and hair. I have blonde hair and blue eyes and a light complection... But we have almost idenical builds and idenical faces and no we are not twins i am older than her by four years.

[@brendadimarzio2337]

I completely agree!

[@flannerypedley840]

@@charlotrisch5138 I agree with you. The "blonde" boleyn lady (she does seem to have fair lashes even if the blonde is just a band of gold cloth), does seem the spit of Elizabeth I, so could she be another of the Boleyn sisters? the other could plausibly be Anne, except for Henry owning the book. Would he not have destroyed it if he came accross it... or did the book lie dormant never looked at? He had so many prized possessins, perhaps it missed his attention. As for Lady no. 3, yes, she looks very much like Kat, even down to the modern face front expression and hint of something interesting about the eyes.

[@realityslidersmandelaeffec6594]

His portrait drawings are absolutely magnificent

[@jfs59nj]

When I visited the NPG London I felt I was coming to visit old friends.

[@AndYourLittleDog]

Brilliant video. I’d love to see a series of artists who painted royalty

[@ReadingthePast]

That's a cool idea for a video series! Thank you !

[@AndYourLittleDog]

Reading the Past I’ve seen Dr James Fox and Waldemar Januszscak touch on Hilliard, Dobson and Van Dyke and am hooked! I really enjoy your insights

[@auntijen3781]

Reminds me that I've also always liked learning about the biographies of those 'mistress's of the clergy' whose portraits became immortalized in religious artworks...

[@ladyliberty417]

Just found you !! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤️ love this period of art and hope you give us more!!

[@AdrienTalksMachines]

I love Dr. Kat’s voice it is so relaxing and educational!!

[@gwinniboots]

Holbein’s drawings are exquisitely beautiful and detailed. I love looking at them. Each conveys the character of the sitter.

[@revitalsela4063]

I believe that king Henry was in the inside corner of his heart loved Anne until his last day. So i wouldn't be surprised to learn he kept one image of her in a private book that is not for all to see. I agree the 5 portraits you've shown are quite remarkable. I always find the proportion between the body and face in his paintings is very wrong and that is maybe because for him the face was much more interesting. The 3rd portrait yiy said you felt more connected to, i believe bares a small resemblance to you yourself, and that's why you feel closer to it...

[@prettyfar33]

I thought so too!!! The eyes!!!

[@patriciaarnold8489]

revital sela could have taken the words from my mouth. I am sure he did love this fascinating and beautiful woman and kept the portrait because he couldn't bare to part with it.

[@verak66]

I'm sorry to disagree but I loathe Henry completely and I'm convinced his heart was only for pumping blood. The monster ordered the sword from Calais before she even had a trial. Condemned five more on ridiculous and contradictory evidence. For the dates given, it seems they were proven to be elsewhere. But it didn't matter. It was pre-juried. Not one of them had the principles of - Thomas More - condemned six innocent people to death. So, no, Henry the Horrible had already moved on to the simpering, complicit bore. And then moved on again three more times. ". . . a corner of his heart." His heart and mind were always about himself and himself.

[@laurabuxton7041]

When viewing the "Portrait of a Lady" #3, my first instinct was " I feel like I am looking at Anne Boleyn"...Am I the only one thinking that?

[@franm.8343]

I agree, although it was not immediately obvious. As Anne aged it is said that she became thin and anxious. The eyes, hair and demeanour fit.

[@ckcribbs8577]

My first thought as well, and I always believe my gut instinct. The dark hair and eyes, the detail of the entire face. After seeing the portrait of Henry's sister Mary Tudor (Brandon) with her husband in a previous Dr Kat video, I was convinced that portrait was her and not Anne. Also, it seems more likely that a drawing of Anne would survive destruction.

[@DannyJane.]

A selection of these drawings went on tour in the 1980s. I saw them at the Houston Museum of Art. I went to the showing accompanied by my best friend Ellie. The genius of Holbein's drawings, which is not truly present in his paintings for, I suppose, political reasons, is that these aren't marks on paper. They are windows into the minds and souls of the subjects. I suspect none of these people would have wanted Holbein's personal opinion of them to be on display. However, those 30-odd years ago Ellie and I had a wonderful afternoon examining them and building a study of who we thought they were. We were, I'm not-so-embarrassed to say, a bit boisterous. Not to the degree that got us invited to leave, but sufficient to encourage our fellow visitors to venture their own observations. It turned into quite a game, where we studied them and decided who and what they might be in our modern world. His affection for Thomas More and family is clear, whereas, I recall one hard-faced gentleman in the collection that we decided would have been either a trial lawyer, a mob boss, or a used car salesman. I don't think Holbein liked him any more than he liked Cromwell, whose piggy eyes and sour expression tell us EXACTLY what the artist thought of him. Of the five ladies, it's the third lady's drawing is something wonderful to me. I think you see what I see. She stands out even among the other four. I think she's the one who impressed Holbein on more than a superficial level. I believe he held her in high esteem, and may have had a bit of a crush. Through his eyes I see a woman who has experienced adversity and/or great loss that has wounded her deeply, but she has still prevailed. She does not simper for the artist, none of the five do, but she gazes honestly back at us most boldly. I think this lady speaks her mind, and does so gently and forthrightly. Rather than seeing her emotions, as is prominent in a lot of the drawings, I see someone who, while honest is also guarded. I also see a hint of grief or pain in her eyes and I wonder if she is one of those whom King Henry hurt irrevocably. What startles the viewer about these five ladies is the steadiness of their gaze. At a time when women were supposed to be demure, none of them is. All look you squarely and without artifice. Finally, the one drawing I hoped you would discuss is not here. I call her the "Shadow Lady". All of Holbein's drawings, at least the ones I have seen, show us the features of the sixteenth century individuals in strong detail. All show more than faces, they show personalities. They show Holbein's opinion, he analysis of who these individuals were. All but one. One drawing of an unknown lady shows a richly detailed headdress and gown--but no face at all. There is a hint of where the eyes might have been and a ghost of the placement of features; but she is utterly faceless. Why? What was Holbein telling us about her? The Shadow Lady is, in her way, as compelling as Lady #3. She is the one, these three decades and more on, who still haunts my dreams.

[@kathywilliams1050]

Lady #3 has a masculine aspect: direct gaze, defined jaw, cleft chin, thin lips. Love the history,

[@OUigot]

I've never seen these drawings before, nor heard of Hans Holbein, but I think they're wonderful!! I'm glad I watched your video. As an artist, when I first looked at the portraits I immediately thought these are "tracings." Now, let me explain my reasoning, I watched a documentary a couple of years ago about artists during that period, the topic was "how did artists back then get their subjects so life like." The documentary went on to show how the artist would sit the subject in a room and with the use of mirrors, and light, reflect their image into a 2nd dark room in which the artist sat and traced the reflected light image of the subject. It was so simple. The subjects were to sit and stare at a hole, or side profile in front of the hole. Same hole their image was reflected into. My immediate thought was the images of the 5 ladies just look like they're staring at nothing with no emotion, because they were, they were staring at a hole. They probably sat there for an hour. Also, the hard lines, not soft lines, outlining each characters face, nose, eyes, chin, ears, is a classic sign of tracing. Drawing free hand the lines are much softer.

[@possumaintdead]

I agree that the third portrait drawing in the set of five is the most compelling. I felt that as soon as it came up that she was a woman I would have loved to know. The fourth, of the Lady Parker, could be a twin to actress Sissy Spacek in her youth! at least, it seems so to me. The two possible Anne Boleyn drawings are more difficult. The more casually dressed woman certainly looks worried enough to be Anne in pregnancy, but the other one to me looks vivacious enough to be Anne at an earlier date. A shame we will never know for sure! I love your channel, btw, and always look forward to your "classes!" :-)

[@Dodgeowner]

While Lady Parker does resemble Sissy Spacek, might she also resemble the actress who played Catherine Howard in the Tudor series?

[@justthecoolestdudeyo9446]

@@Dodgeowner I thought that too! When I first saw her in the Tudors, I thought the actress was too modern looking- but I guess that was a foolish assumption. Certainly, if people look like that now, their genes came from somewhere! Seeing modern people in these ancient faces makes them feel so real...

[@jasonmack2569]

Thank You! I was trying to remember Ms. Spacek's name and could not think of it.

[@saramiller8870]

I'm excited to see The Lady Surry. I found out a couple years ago that she is part of my family tree, directly. When I looked her up and first saw the portrait drawing back then, I felt chills. I felt a connection. I and others think I look like her, which is cool. Her story is interesting, too.

[@user-uo3tm1dv5i]

you more look like Parker girl , pretty one )))

[@Laramaria2]

Someone: talks about Holbein... My mind: HANS HOLBEIN GOES AROUND THE WORLD 🎶

[@janebaxter4825]

Painting all of the beautiful girls.

[@KarentheGreat247]

I think the first image presented in the video of Anne Boleyn is definitely her! Look at the resemblance between this portrait and her daughter Elizabeth. If I had to bet money on it, I would say that this was Anne Boleyn. I would go as far as to say that it aligns with the other more finished portraits of Anne B. as well and taken all together, the Holbein portrait is the truest to life.

[@Johnathan04]

Exactly although we do not know 100% it’s her, it is one of the most compelling images claiming to be her.

[@susanwozniak6354]

I like the fine detail of the sketches so much more than the painted portraits.

[@clareb8015]

Me too.

[@TeaBarful]

If i get to choose between the two of Holbein's so called "Anne Boleyn" representations, i'd choose the left one. The right one (the one in informal clothing) has golden hair and for me it's is definitely hair and not some cap. Why? Because woman on this painting has also very light eyebrows. And as we all know Anne Boleyn was a brunette - so she would also have dark eyebrows. The left painting woman has darker eyebrows and you can also see a bit of dark hair under the golden cap. BUT to be honest - the most intriguing is the "unknown" woman painting of a brunette (the middle one in your video of a "straight gaze collection"). She is definitely dark haired, has huge brown eyes ("eyes black and beautiful" that are piercing your through and seem to be the key element of the painting), dark eyebrows, her features are slim and delicate (so it was not a big boned woman) and also has wide lips, long neck (half covered by the dress). And so...she fits a description of Anne Boleyn... Or is it just me that draw a connection here? And one more thing - you pose a question weather the king would hold to a drawing of Anne Boley's face. I see why not? He destroyed all the official paintings so for the public he put on a show. But if he had a part of "human" side too him, if he felt regret to what he prepared for her (and I'm pretty sure he knew exactly Anne was innocent - we can say anything about him, but he was definitely not dumb), then he might have kept the picture for himself. As some sort a private token or sth. AS ALWAYS - amazing video! :D

[@ReadingthePast]

I hadn't made the AB connection with the 3rd lady... I wish it was her as it would go some way to explain the sense of connection I feel with that particular image!

[@TeaBarful]

@@ReadingthePast I know exactly what you feel! I have that same feeling, when i look at the picture! :)

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

@@TeaBarful I am right with you. To me that is how I see AB and to be honest it isn't far from the famous painting, other than it is way better. I am going to go even further and suggest Lady Parker is actually Catherine Howard! She is very young and pretty. In the paintings credited as CH she is older and frumpy. It certainly isn't Jane Rochford!

[@KiteFlyingVespa]

There's just something about his work...you always know it when you see it. All his portraits are so realistic and alive, yet they all bear his distinct style.

[@optimalrefundable]

I think these portrait drawings are absolutely gorgeous. I think my favorite is of Lady Ratclif/Elizabeth Howard. She has such an inquisitive, knowing, curious expression. It's almost like she's asked you a question, and is waiting for an answer. I agree with you, these images are totally vibrant and give off a rather forward, modern vibe. Thanks for introducing these to me, made my week!

[@facetedperspectives9950]

These drawings are spectacular. Holbein was a Master and he captures the spiritual essence of each subject. Have always been impressed by his work. There are definite energies picked up in each of the drawings. This was a wonderful video. Thank you.

[@jennaolbermann7663]

The portraits of the women are very direct. They look right at the viewer without hesitation but with confidence.

[@ajohnsal]

I have reproductions of Holbein's portraits of my ancestors, John and Francis Russell, the earls of Bedford, that hang in my library/den. It's so interesting to see what features were passed on to my Grandfather and uncles.

[@susanafont-fontenot9906]

I am incline to believe that the drawing to the left is Anne Boleyn. I enjoy your programs. Thank you.

[@franm.8343]

I was fortunate to see an exhibition of Holbein's portraits at the Tate Gallery, in London, about thirteen years ago. All the major portraits were displayed and they were amazing. However, the portrait that for me summed up Holbein's genius was the portrait of Thomas Howard, Duke of Nofolk. I had seen many book prints of the portrait, the Duke was a premier Duke and councillor at Henry VIII Court, and featured heavily in relation to the Anne Boleyn's family story as he was Anne's uncle. In the portrait he is painted in his robes of state and it shows a slim middle aged granite faced man. But on closer inspection of the portrait the Dukes face was full of anxiety lines and I felt that they captured him perfectly and the times he lived in. Also, the sketch of Thomas Boleyn, Anne's father is outstanding, I felt if you change the clothing it could be a sketch of modern man. When I first saw the two sketches attributed to Anne Boleyn, when I first saw the the portrait on the left I immediately thought, yes, that's her. I would love for a lost portrait of Anne painted in her lifetime to resurface, and be declared genuine by the experts.

[@alohaanderson53]

I think the first of the drawings of the five women looks like a young Catherine of Aragon around age 15. I know the timeline is off she still looks like the young Catherine to me. The drawings and coronation coin, the drawing on the left has a much shorter neck than depicted on the coin. The drawing on the right has a longer neck but the bulging under the chin. The coin also shows a much higher forehead than either of the drawings. All the noses are also quite different. This is so interesting. I’m loving your storytelling. Also the beguiling woman in the middle seems to be alive as I look into her eyes and she looks back at me. Like she’s here right in front of me. Her gaze is unnerving. I couldn’t stop looking at her.

[@agelessinspiration]

Alison Anderson The coin is the only contemporary image we have that is 100% Anne. I see very similar features, including a bulge under the chin, in the nightcap drawing & medal. The bulge is emphasized by a strap holding the cap on and the fact she’s looking down slightly. I think any of us would have a slight bulge under our chin with that situation especially if possibly pregnant.

[@AshleyLebedev]

I deeply believe as a sketch artist and portrait photographer that both could be Anne at different times of life. I’ve done so many portraits and drawings of people in life and these are not necessarily not same person but drawn at different angles, different pencils, different light and my guess is at different times in life. And I do believe as well it’s possible Henry had all destroyed publicly but perhaps kept one for himself, secretly, especially if he knew she was innocent. I can see her allowing Holbein in if pregnant to try to work on something of her. To bad we’ll never know if these became anything because he decimated so much.

[@nakinilerak]

Thank you so much for this intriguing look at some of Holbein's portrait drawings. Apart from Anne of Cleves and Christina of Denmark, are there any finished portraits of that time period which display that fully frontal frank encounter with the subject's gaze? Several of Holbein's other female sitters do make eye contact, but from a sideways position. Given that Anne and Christina were both painted for a very specific purpose (meet your potential future wife, who is not hiding anything from your scrutiny), could the five have been preparatory drawings for a similar purpose? They are certainly a group that deserves more study.

[@sondrasaddlemaker8079]

I believe the full front portrait drawings were for miniatures intended for the passport identification of the time as well as miniatures for exchange between parties intended for marriage. Also lockets were kept by spouses called away to war or exploration parties.

[@SuperMarkizas]

I’m mesmerised by the ladies’ portraits, Holbein’s mastery at drawing eyes is startling, it feels almost intimate looking at their faces. I like drawings even more than his paintings. Also why is the third lady dressed so differently from others? Headwear, neck area so unusual

[@Rosedawn321]

The drawings are just so REAL! They look like ancient sepiatone photographs.

[@gitalloyd5958]

Dear Dr Kat, I am a master artist who has done hundreds of portraits, always painted and sketched from live sitters. You have the general public’s understanding of the process of drawing as I would expect. Artists have a mind set when drawing that is not as deliberative as you might expect. We develop a high degree of quick and intense analysis that is immediate so the subject can be represented realistically. We capture the whole person in a timeless manner and we have done so through the ages. I’m sure you also know and love the Fayum Portraits painted by Greek artists in Egypt. They are beautiful works. These paintings also look like ‘modern’ people. But of course, we are looking at modern people in actuality. Let’s talk about the artist’s process sometime. We artists, and our processes, remain sadly a mystery to most. Isn’t Art grand! great video, thank you , Gita Lloyd.

[@alandreau1446]

Holbein’s studies are amazingly lifelike! They seem to capture the subject’s personalities so adeptly.

[@iamauntmeem]

I love Hans Holbein the Younger's works. They are so realistic. I'm obsessed with this time period and love your videos. Thank you.

[@Cat-tastrophee]

The "Anne" portrait on the left looks so much like the image on the coin -- the heart-shaped face, the cupid's bow mouth, and the fact that the coin has a flattened nose and the lady on the left has a more distinctive nose that stuck out more, which may have been represented on the coin. In addition, the lady on the left is so pretty!! She looks a bit like Elizabeth Taylor to me. I could see why Henry VIII was so smitten with her if that's what she looked like, and matches the "dark and lovely eyes" that she was described as having. It's just my wishful thinking; we'll probably never know for sure.

[@kyndramb7050]

I've recently come across your channel, and I'm so glad I did. I've been loving your engaging, detailed, well-researched videos! Thank you for your time and efforts!

[@lynneperry7454]

Thank you for yet another fabulous video. The timing is incredibly good. I have just finished reading Hillary Mantell‘s Mirror and the Light. so I feel as if I have just stepped out of the Tudor court. As I had been looking at Holbein’s work while I was reading, I found this talk of yours took me right back there. I don’t think either of those women could have been Anne Boleyn, partly for the reasons you mentioned and also from the way he has presented them psychologically neither woman had the vital presence that she must have had. The third woman in that group of five quite took me aback as her modern, self contained expression and direct gaze reminded me of Manet’s Olympia, although the rest of the context does relate to that painting.

[@rebeccanorris4586]

As an artist, I absolutely adore this video. To look into Hans Holbein's sketchbook is invaluable. I wonder if after Henry "cooled off" some and was less angry with Anne if he possibly wished he'd save some portraits of her. Possibly, this was his private way of reflecting on their relationship. Also, I'd love to see a video on the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. They were half sisters but often seen to be at odds and were far apart in age. I'd also love to see a video dedicated to Henry Fitzroy. I am absolutely in love with your channel and your articulate way of speaking. I've recommended you to everyone I know lol

[@paddypaddy7276]

My favorite painter! I had the privilege of seeing many of his works on my trip to England. I first learned about how the collection of portrait sketches was discovered by Queen Caroline when I visited Kensington and saw the closet where she displayed them. Fascinating!!!

[@jessdelong464]

I absolutely love the topic of Holbein’s portraiture. Absolutely fascinating and I wouldn’t mind more on him and his portraits.

[@kidmohair8151]

Holbein's portraits, both painting and drawing, are considered the gold standard of portraiture: what they show us is the people as they were, as we would see them if we were to meet them: they remind us, that these people were just like us, warts and all, and that history is made by normal people, not gods, but us

[@suzannegabriel3299]

I prefer the Holbein sketches to the finished portraits. There is something more 'real' about them! Thank you for posting these videos!

[@joan4115]

I think the drawings show so much more facial details than the paintings. The pics just jump off the page and provides a special feeling of familiarity. Enjoyed.

[@MM-or7gt]

I wasn't expecting to see Hans Holbein the Younger’s portrait of Edward VI as a Child this weekend at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. I was awestruck by this magnificent work, to be standing so close to it …possibly within the same proximity as some Tudor royals… Thank you Dr Kat for your historical enthusiasm (which is contagious) and your expertise - I appreciate all your videos and I have really enjoyed this one again!

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Wonderful. These faces reach out to us across the centuries: what would they have thought of that, I wonder? And how amazing that they look like people you see today! So moving, so human.

[@mesamies123]

The ways in which you, Dr. Kat, read these paintings in their context is both interesting and brilliant. Your skills as a historian and critic allow you to be an excellent art historian. I am completely convinced by your analysis - as usual! 🙂❤

[@nealweirich2311]

I think Holbein's sketches are amazing. Some of them have an almost photographic quality. Holbein the younger is my favorite artist from that period.

[@theresalaux5655]

I really love the portrait of Thomas Moore by him. The features of his face is remarkable. He looks like a kind and pious man.

[@douglasw9624]

Not an expert but I thought the two "conflicting" portrait drawings of Anne Boleyn could be the same person. mouth lips and nose are not dissimilar and the primary difference appears to be caused by the "tie" around the chin of the one on the right.

[@agelessinspiration]

Douglas W Check out Pinterest there is an image of these two drawings compared with one flipped in the other direction and you will see that the features do line up very well

[@leahgrantham9681]

@Laurel McBrine Nutrition- I’m so glad you mentioned that!!! I went and searched that out and how fascinating!!! Now that I’ve seen that I’m convinced that those two drawings are of the same woman, whether it’s Anne or not.

[@131alexa]

Yes, drawn some years apart

[@franm.8343]

@@leahgrantham9681 I agree and read somewhere recently that the sketch on the right was thought to have been done to mark the occasion when Henry sent Anne a present of a Black satin, fur lined dressing gown. The gown would have been a luxurious present and Anne is looking down as if reading a letter.

[@susannaheanes]

Going back and trying to catch up on older videos of yours. Holbein's portrait drawings are fascinating in and of themselves, in addition to the questions they raise. Thank you for exploring them in so thorough a fashion.

[@peggyh4805]

The drawings are wonderful, so much more lifelike than the formal portraits. 🇺🇸💙

[@aquastarling]

While 6 months late, I have a few ideas on why the third of the woman looking forward feels like it has more impact, or connection. (While I have no art degree, I do practice drawing people most every day of my life. What I saw is def. not law) It has darker lines, giving a clearer image of her face. It’s the most darkly shaded, once again, giving her a more defined space within the image. The darkness allows for the eyes to immediately look at the detail and spend less time figuring out where she ends, or where her clothing is and what the exact contours of her face are. The hair does not have the same blocky line-work because of how dark it is, allowing the viewer to do the work of filling in the hair details. Your mind is amazing at this, and it’s why when someone defines a few details but doesn’t draw every single piece it feels more real. Take old horror movies, some imagined far worse endings because it was left up to you and not directly shown. Lastly, it’s her proportions and clothing. The clothing typical of the Tudor era has a different shape than we are used to. It causes us to question how the body works. The outfit in the middle is different from the rest and is more like a modern fitted jacket. It fits our modern ideas of proportions. In summary, the darker line work, the darker colors requiring less detail and the different clothing gives her more easy to view to the eye and fits with modern proportion ideas. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk? :)

[@joycestewart4893]

The drawing indicated as Anne Bollein looks more like her sister Mary. Anne had darker hair and her sister had lighter. If this collection was owned by Henry it indicates to me that it might more be her sister.

[@graphiquejack]

it's a ribbon, not her hair, that's shaded gold

[@bettygreenhansen]

Joyce Stewart I agree with you

[@grievousangelic]

As soon as I saw the third portrait of the women, I thought, "I wonder if that's Anne Boleyn." It fits: dark hair, dark eyes, very arresting face. People didn't necessarily say Anne was beautiful, but that she was striking. The third portrait suggests slightly darker skin, as well. And this woman is certainly striking, as well as being inscrutable (something else people said of Anne -- "hooded eyes"). She looks like a fascinating woman, which Anne certainly was, also. I'd say there's a decent chance this is actually Anne Boleyn. I doubt we'll ever know, but it's an interesting mental exercise.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I don’t think the first labeled “Anna Bolein” portrait could be Anne Boleyn, but the second one could. First, the gold in front of the cap (#1) is clearly meant to be blond hair, look how wavy and tressy it is, and the gold in the second portrait is clearly meant to be the trim of the cap, and a little dark hair can be seen at the V crossover point of the trim. Second, Anne is known to have had sharp features and a pointed chin, which can’t possibly be used to describe the fleshy, rounded chin of the sitter in the first portrait. The coin has been damaged or defaced, it’s not possible to gauge what the nose and eyes, which are really critical to identification, looked like.

[@bas4575]

I'd like to add a possible topic for future discussion: ladies in waiting and maids of honor. Would love to see a exploration of their roles, who filled them, perhaps some more famous lady-in-waiting figures, and so on. Thank you!

[@taciturncancer]

The unidentified lady #3 is absolutely beautiful...

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

I am not at all interested in most art. But my daughter showed me several of Holbein's portraits from the 1500s and they are mesmerizing -- you always expect the portraits from that era to be far less realistic. Absolutely amazing work.

[@michaelvandegriff6696]

Henry VIII was an interesting figure but what I find more interesting are the people that surrounded him. I love these video lectures on the peripheral characters of the Tudor court.

[@Dawn24Michele]

My wife has been an art collector since her youth. Her grandparents left her war bonds that she converted into a nominal at collection. Her favorites have always been the rough drafts. The drawings. She doesn't by paintings, prints, etc. She'll only buy sketch books, etching plates. She had already said the only drawings she wants but can't get are Hans. She taught me that the most famous and sought after royal artist of the Renaissance was not Hans, Leonardo, Michelangelo or anyone else we commonly hear about, but a girl. A sixteen year old girl was the most famous and sought after. Her death was the most visited on Earth. Apparently more people came to view her than Lincoln, Lenin, Stalin, Micheal Jackson, Kennedy, Elvis combined. I can't remember her name atm but check into it. The greatest sculpture was also a female. She could do on a seed what it took others mountains to create. When she beat out all the makes in a blind judgment contest she was imprisoned, tortured, doomed always to live sequestered within a convent. It's funny how what we think we know is just as fluid as belief itself.

[@roseg1333]

The drawing portraits of the women is very interesting and striking to say the least. I think the artist captured the women’s spirits and personality very well. I think he was no doubt a very talented man.

[@auntijen3781]

Looks to me like Hans barber was my toddler! Thats exactly how she cut her own hair ('I did it all by myself') once.

[@ginawingrove7061]

I really loved this, thank you so much. Amazing portraits that tell so much about the subjects. Holbein definitely had insight into the personalities of the sitters. Amazing 🌼

[@Ailorn]

I would have guessed the straight on striking image of the woman with black hair and black eyes was Anne Boleyn. But as you said it is unlikely for the drawing to survive given art of her was destroyed. The images are very lifelike and beautiful.

[@YT4Me57]

Hans Holbein the Younger has given us beautiful glimpses of the people of his day. His very detailed sketches probably represent his subjects just as they were. You see that most strongly when comparing the sketches and portraits of men. The difference in the beards stands out. The scruffy, often thin and wiry beards and expressions, make each man look like he was caught by the artist on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Holbein was an outstanding artist. I am leaning towards the opinion that both sketches were of Anne Boleyn. The first at the beginning of her short reign as queen, and the second almost as if he sketched her in the Tower of London, before her execution. She looks like all hope is gone. Henry VIII may have squirreled these images away on sentiment alone.

[@McRambleOn]

Ive been to the Frick- it’s a fabulous collection housed in an opulently furnished gilded age mansion that faces Central Park and everything inside, including the gorgeous, enclosed courtyard, with its elegant fountain and colonnade lined in art… the collection is impressive, carefully curated & each object not only has a story to tell, but is an example of aesthetic glory; and thus, everything inside… including each molding, rug, wall panel, book, vase, light fixture, furniture piece, painting, inch of plaster… is all a part of the museum’s collection. And it’s all fabulous-Particularly bc the people of New York are the owners of the collection. I don’t know much about Mr. Frick, but I hope he got some points for allowing us to be swept away to a little piece of heaven on earth at his lovely home. I had never heard of it before and went there on a lark, but fell in love instantly; it’s an ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and WONDERFULLY CURATED museum that’s UNFORGETTABLY UNIQUE and an INCREDIBLE art viewing experience.

[@deboralarson4273]

The ladies look very confident and alert. Very intellegent

[@verablexitasap858]

These are the photos that pull you in the most and look so so familiar esp the lady in the middle