Holbein's Henry VIII: Portraying Majesty

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Today we’re taking a look at, arguably the most famous image of Henry VIII…
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Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
SFX from freesfx.co.uk/...
Linked videos and playlists:
Holbein: • Hans Holbein's Portrai...
Pilgrimage of Grace: • The Pilgrimage of Grace
Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):
Portrait of King Henry VIII after Hans Holbein the Younger (after 1537). Held by the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.
Self-portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger (1542 or 1543). Held by the Uffizi Gallery.
Portrait of Sir Henry Guildford by Hans Holbein the Younger (1527). Held by the Royal Collection.
Portrait of Mary Wotton, the second wife of Sir Henry Guildford by Hans Holbein the Younger (1527). Held by the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Portrait of Sir Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger (1527). Held by the Frick Collection.
Study for the Family Portrait of Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1527). Copied from Stephanie Buck, Hans Holbein, Cologne: Könemann, 1999, ISBN 3829025831.
Design for a Table Fountain with the Badge of Anne Boleyn by Hans Holbein the Younger (1533). Held by Kunstmuseum Basel, Kupferstichkabinett.
Cartoon detail showing Henry VIII and Henry VII, for wall painting in Whitehall, by Hans Holbein the Younger (1537). Held by the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Copy of the Whitehall Mural by Remigius van Leemput, after Hans Holbein the Younger (1667). Held by the Royal Collection.
Detail showing Henry VIII tilting in front of Katherine of Aragon (1511). Courtesy College of Arms - the Westminster tournament roll.
Portrait of Katherine of Aragon, by an unknown artist, (c. 1520). On loan to the National Portrait Gallery, London. Lent by permission of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church Commissioners for England, 2011.
“The Pilgrimage of Grace 1536” by Fred Kirk Shaw (1913). From collections.lan...
Portrait of Anne Boleyn by an unknown artist, (c. 1550). Held by Hever Castle.
Photograph of a debased testoon. From the Andrew Wayne Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular vol. CXII/2 (April 2004), no. HS1626; K.A. Jacob Collection.
“The Family of Henry VIII” by an unknown artist (c.1545). Held by the Royal Collection.
Also consulted, were:
Other relevant entries from The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Online.

[@mlgmoore]

Love the decoding portraits episodes. It’s totally new info for me and I’m finding it fascinating!

[@rebeccafranklin9915]

You are so good at this! The history channel should have given you a show!🙏🏼✨

[@pamelaoliver8442]

Nah lol the history channel is incredibly unreliable

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Another delightful, incisive video, Dr. Kat: Thank you! The Tudors were all top-notch propagandists, and they conveyed their majesty well in their portraits.

[@Rosedawn321]

I was aware of the selective “stuffing” of various body parts in fashion over the centuries, from codpieces to bosoms to buttocks, but I never would have concieved of stuffing CALVES, for goodness sake! Once again Dr. Kat you have blown my mind with the silliness of humanity’s vanity. 😂

[@cassiemontgomery45]

Oh, yes, I've read that men were worried about their calves all the way through to the Victorian period. I suppose you have got to have nice legs for that hose...

[@prettypic444]

i guess being 'dummy thicc' has always been in style lol ("help, I'm trying to obtain a divorce, but the dummy thicc clapping of my calves keeps alerting the pope!")

[@sisuguillam5109]

Thanks to the works of Georgette Heyer I knew that men did that... and always wondered how they kept the pads from chaffing and slipping.

[@sarahwatts7152]

@@sisuguillam5109 Double sided tape! 😆

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@sarahwatts7152 in modern days? Sure.

[@alioncosmic]

I'm a fan of your video style, Dr Kat! Calm, well researched, and well balanced. I'm a particular fan of these 'portait reading' episodes! You always find things I never knew or noticed before! I have subscribed, and binged your content, haha. 😅

[@ladonnaadam5014]

I have a book about Hans Holbein the Younger and it's just magnificent!

[@alien-vu7yl]

Title please?

[@Myke_OBrien]

Wonderful as always! You truly make history come alive. Cod pieces could be used to store the family jewels? 😂 I spit my tea out! On a different note, I watched one of your older videos on Henry VIII supposed syphilis. I couldn’t believe the difference in the sound quality between then and now. The investment in new equipment was worth it! 👍

[@Felicia_ilana_Zaccaria]

I just saw SIX with my sisters last weekend and lucky for them their sister is way too into English Monarchies and had all the answers when they asked questions about the queens. there was also a moment when during the show they asked if anyone remembers the name of Henry VII's wife and i yelled Elizabeth of York!

[@maniafactor3564]

I recently saw that portrait of Henry. It is impressive. The detail on it is stunning and I can't imagine how many hours were spent on it. I see it as a Tudor-era version of being a rock star on the cover of Rolling Stone in its heyday. I think Henry liked it.

[@melchiorlise2466]

Your videos are bringing me so much joy ! I'm doing a double major in biology and chemistry, my final exams are approaching and I have trouble settling down these days. I found science interesting of course, but connecting with the past and with history calms me down and grounds me in a way nothing esle can. When you post a new video I light up because I know it is time for me to take a step back and relax.

[@lesleyschultz6846]

Thank you so much Dr. Kat!! It's amazing to me that of all English monarchs in the over 1000 years of history, the ones most people remember are Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and the late Queen Elizabeth II. But Henry still bestrides the halls of English history as no other king has ever done and captures popular imaginations still with his many marriages, his monstrous ego, his cruelty and lust for power and control. Ivan the Terrible, Tsar of Russia, married 8 times and was even worse, but even he is not as much remembered. It's just amazing.

[@lindaholtzman5374]

Your comment underscores that women have generally been the best sovereigns, certainly the long-lived.

[@obcl8569]

Holbein, my beloved secret passageway into Henry's court ❤ His talent has done more for understanding European history than many archeological finds ever could. *HHTY my boy for life!!!*

[@lspthrattan]

Thanks for another great Friday morning! I just love starting my day geeking out with you. I especially love the intersection between art and history. See you next time!

[@hawkflower1]

😊 Great video as is your norm. Informative and entertaining. I always look forward to your new releases. Thank you so much.

[@starrywizdom]

I got to see an exhibition of many of Holbein the younger's Tudor court drawings at the Getty museum circa 1983. Fascinating.

[@libralocs9141]

He was as fascinating a subject during his lifetime as he continues to be in ours!

[@emom358]

Delightful as always, especially when your sense of humour shines through.

[@prettypic444]

Honestly, it makes sense to reuse the original sketches for multiple paintings. Anyone who's ever had to take a portrait of someone KNOWS how hard it can be to get the subject EXACTLY right. also, Henry VIII: ORIGINAL MANSPREADER!!!

[@TheTam0613]

Your comment made me laugh! Thanks!

[@heckofabecca]

Thank you so much, Dr. Kat! What a great video! As always :)

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

I think Elizabeth I learned very well the power of controlling a visual narrative from her father. The larger mural reminds me a bit of the “fantasy” portrait of Henry VII with Elizabeth of York and all of their children. Seems it ran in the family.

[@conemadam]

I love You, Dr. Kat! 27:45 Your reading of Henry’s portrait was magisterial and incomparable. Bravo again!!!!

[@eliscanfield3913]

Henry was a gross person, in multiple meanings of the word, especially as he got older. Holbein seems interesting. I'm going to rewatch your video on him :)

[@joanneCaisley]

A fascinating slice of history. Your content never disappoints.

[@suzzannegabel1636]

'The family jewels'. I had to chuckle. Love your videos, Doctor Kat.

[@anneshelton3476]

Having many copies of the painting in many houses is the Tufor version of going viral. Great video. Thanks Dr. Kat!

[@TheAshesvondust]

I never noticed how ornate his shoes are in this portrait! I have always been struck (and confused) by the plain white, almost tattered cloth wound around his waist. It's such a contrast to everything else, and I don't quite understand its significance.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

It does stand out and looks so out of place🙂

[@bonniherself]

I had a big laugh from the codpiece pun/joke/wordplay. I won't spoil it for others, but I absolutely enjoyed it, and also the little pause after to let me have my laugh without having to rewind. 😆

[@cazmac6978]

Made me giggle too!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

I love the tudor portraits!❤❤❤

[@JAV619]

Absolutely fantastic video and topic. *applause. I am super Anglophile, and Henry is one of my favorites. I knew about the codpieces, but never knew about stuffing the calves. Interesting.

[@patriciagodfrey6345]

Thank you so much. The story behind the art is always fascinating. More please!

[@izasolecka5843]

I'm fascinated by Turkish carpets under rennesaince Madonnas. Amazing. Thanks Dr K! ❤

[@beth7935]

Thankyou for confirming that artists of this era painted diamonds black! I've read several youtube comments saying that recently, & it made SO much sense- royalty wear a LOT of those black stones in portraits, but nothing that looks like a clear diamond, the way they'd be painted now, & I was pretty sure they _would've_ worn diamonds- but I didn't know if it was true. Given Dr. Kat is a historian with a Ph.D. though, & she said it was "established", not "theorised", I'm going to assume she's correct. Fascinating!

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Quite the honour for Jane Seymour to feature in a portrait with Henry and his parents. She obviously had done something right for this to occur. What would've happened to this portrait had she failed to produce a son. It would've been hard to remove her from the portrait without ruining it somewhat.

[@raygay3375]

Despite the fact that I am a U.S. citizen, I do find myself fascinated with Tudor history. Thanks for your hard work in making these videos. ❤

[@charlotteillustration5778]

Henry VIII: the king who gave us ‘manspreading’, emulated ever since by insecure politicians…

[@colormetakenaback]

Being as how I cant stand Henry VIII, the closeup of his codpiece was... 😵😆 All I can say is i guess that's where he kept his personality and had plenty of room left over.

[@susanvick3145]

Oh, Dr Kat, I can't tell you how much I look forward to my Saturday mornings catching up with your channel. I'm very late (63) in discovering a love of history but thanks to you & the great stuff on History Hits I'm getting a great education. Now I'm off to watch the Pompeii video you talked about at the beginning 💖

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Henry obviously was the focus of discussion in the fantasy family portrait but it would've been good too to have talked about other details and people in the portrait such as the fact Henry VII is portrayed as looking kinda old, very gaunt and un-kingly in comparison to Henry Viii who looks more dominating and regal. Yes we see Henry VII and Elizabeth of York on a raised platform indicating their seniority but they are not at the forefront like Henry Viii and Jane Seymour are thus are not the focus of the portrait. There is a lot in this portrait than just Henry's clothing and stance that seem deliberate

[@possumaintdead]

This is so interesting! Holbein was such s marvelous artist!

[@karlaverbeck9413]

Did the rest of the world actually care what happened on a smallish island before Elizabeth I vastly expanded trade? I very much enjoy your videos and all your wonderful research!

[@nanettemorton4054]

I once saw a diamond ring that was cut during Roman times, and the diamond did indeed look black. I'd like to go back and have a look at some of the jewelry of the Tudor period, to see how the cut of diamonds differs from modern ones.

[@cpierce1947]

Fascinating! Anytime you feel like decoding Tudor fashion and portraiture, I will be all ears. Thank you always for your learned presentations. You are a true gentlewoman 💕

[@Lisa_B-S]

Looking at this portrait of Henry VIII all I can the of is that he is manspreading across England and though the ages!

[@maryloumawson6006]

I'm glad you mentioned how less illustrious people might have been influenced by the portraiture. I've always wondered how commissioning a portrait could be said to be propaganda, when, in my view, very few people would be privileged to see it. But the practice of copies being made does, somewhat, explain that. It's still hard to see how such an image would symbolize strength, power, wealth, et cetera, to the general public with only a handful of the image being displayed, unless such an image were in a church or other public building, such as a theatre, college or even a market. And I'm wondering if there's any evidence that that was the case? However, I will concede that it must have been effective propaganda, since Henry's daughter Elizabeth I seems to have learned the value of this kind of public relations from him, since his portraiture is only rivaled by hers in magnificence.

[@markbrown2749]

As usual another informative and delightful video! 😊

[@julzy3]

That portrait is definitely meant to send a message and the message is: I don't think you're ready for this jelly! 😁 I think if the ulcers hadn't made him less able to do the physical things he enjoyed like hunting and letching, he might not have become the massive tyrant he became. Thanks for another interesting and funny (maintaining their tumescence could cause serious health issues lol) video.

[@beth7935]

STOP 😂 I'm now imagining Henry singing "Bootylicious", & I'm not sure if that's a mental image I wanted 😕😂

[@sh236]

Well done, Dr. Kat. Fascinating, as always

[@strictlyjoking]

Another great video! Love these Tudor deep dives. Recently found out one of my ancestors was sketched by Holbein 🙌

[@loiskondo8349]

Love your explanation about the art. I wonder if Henry believed a lot of what he said, like the whole Katherine and I weren’t really married.

[@clarkefamily4174]

Sounds like the deluded ramblings of Henry IX

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Love these analytical videos looking at the smaller hidden details. You'd be surprised what you'd miss and what you'd learn

[@Angelina14799]

The hose and cod piece stuffing remains a source of hilarity for me. 😂

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Just a note from this geologist: “Balas Rubies”, are in fact a different mineral called spinel, which is much less valuable and rare than ruby, which is the mineral corundum (sapphire is the blue corundum, but there are other natural and treated “enhanced” colors of this mineral available). What is the correct spelling of the applied gemstones, sounds like “ouches” to this American? It would be great if you could put such unusual words in a caption on screen, I love to learn everything I can about historical clothing, accessories and embellishments. Those shoes Henry wears look extremely comfortable and breathable. I think it was the Sun King who first made uncomfortable shoes fashionable. I’m so glad we’re getting some more comfortable footwear choices now, since the pandemic, but I still want more!

[@beth7935]

Thanks! I thought I remembered someone saying "balas rubies" are actually spinels- I know the "Black Prince's Ruby" is a spinel, but I wasn't sure about balas rubies generally, so thanks for the confirmation.

[@Kittymama20]

That straight ahead stare practically screams dominance. I love portraits for the faces and clothes. Holbein is a favorite of mine.

[@raymedrano5181]

As a history, and specifically a Wars of the Roses-Stuart buff, I love all of your videos, Dr. Kat! Thank you for this channel, and I look forward to many more of your insights!

[@TheTam0613]

Thank you so very much, Dr. Kat! I'm not sure what happened, but I stopped receiving notifications for your videos! I'm so glad that I'm starting to receive them again! As always, you have my deep appreciation and thanks for your well researched & fascinating content! Thanks again! ~Tammy

[@barbarabrown733]

I love your broadcasts, Dr. Kat! Thanks so much for your content!

[@JanetCowan]

Fascinating video!! Always a pleasure to learn from you. 😊 I would be interested to know more about the history of symbology in paintings - obviously, Holbein was utilizing long-used symbols to convey the messaging Henry VIII wanted, but do we know when or how these started? Thanks again!

[@HawkeyeBrooke]

This portrait always makes me laugh because I think Henry looks like SpongeBob SquarePants-A big rectangle with skinny legs sticking out of it. Or those gym dudes who bench press but never do leg workouts. To me it’s comical rather than majestic.

[@lucyosborne9239]

Henry VIII was taught all his life, most especially after the death of his brother Arthur, that he was perfect,, godsent to rule, unapproachable in his majesty and he was also unequalled in his ego. Poor Jane Seymour, she actually got the good end if you ask me. Even after giving birth to an heir, she would have been untouchable in terms of favour and some might say fabricated love of the King, but what King did she have to serve? Seriously, who would want to go to bed with the man whom he became, smelly from three rooms away and unable to walk for the festering putrefaction of his leg? Better a quick though painful death than that. Henry VIII has to be the vilest, singularly hateful and easily duped monarch Britain has had. He believed that Ann Boleyn was unfaithful to him with her brother? And those poor unfortunates got strung up because they were simply there in the way and were convenient targets that suited the purpose. *shakes head* Every time I see a story about Henry VIII I cringe more than the last time. It's no wonder that Elizabeth I decided to do as she did, and her love for Robert Dudley on which she never acted shows how strong her conviction really was. She could have had any husband she had wanted, including Dudley, but she had seen what it was to be the wife of a King and I believe, been harassed and molested by Seymour right under the roof of her step-mother Katherine Parr. Any one of those would be enough for me to say, "Nope, No thanks, I'll hold on to my virginity and use it to my best advantage, thank you." Henry VIII could be summed up in one word above all else: disgusting. And Dr. Kat, I do love your videos and yes the new equipment was worth it! You look fabulous as always!

[@carole6779]

🎨 Again, sooooo interesting! It makes sense that at that time, a "Turkey carpet" would have been too expensive to actually use on a floor unless you were fabulously wealthy. Henry's duckbill shoes have unexpectedly captured my attention, however. "Fashionable" is not the word that comes to my mind, lol, compared to the rest of his garments. At any rate, thanks so much for another fascinating video. 😊🖌

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

I'm glad you mentioned "social glyphs" bc you always give me sooooo much to think about & research I don't get back to metaphorically jangle digital keys at the YT algorithm to say please yes more Ms Kat. ❤‍🔥

[@yensid4294]

Holbein was such a phenomenal artist, I didn't know this portrait wasn't painted by him since it's usually referred to as The Holbein Portrait. The ornate clothing in these portraits always shines even if the subject's likeness is less accurate 🤫

[@christinegraham2579]

🙏👩🏻‍⚕️😺! Thank you, Dr. Kat! Another great & informative video!

[@ashmeadowphoenix]

In the US there's a show called Jeopardy, which is a trivia game show, and they once had a question to which Holbein the younger was an answer and the only reason I knew (none of the contestants did) was because of this channel!

[@crouch69]

Hi from New York City, Dr. Kat! I’ve always wondered why if Holbein generally painted the nobility and royalty in their idealized versions, ie without warts and all, why does he paint Henry with a cold sore on his lip? I’ve never heard of any injury he sustained to make this a scar. And any time this painting is shown, why does no one ever mention the cold sore that’s very obvious on his mouth? Am I the only one who sees this? Was/is this no big deal? Also Dr Kat, what is that charming instrumental music that starts and ends your videos? I’ve heard it before but cannot place it.

[@nancystuart1618]

I’m a big fan of all your content, but I particularly enjoy the videos that feature your analysis of works of art.

[@evadamasdi2135]

Love this video!!! Can you make one about the potential brides Henry or his council considered? And why they refused/were dropped? Ladies like Christina of Milan.

[@user3640]

I love getting stoned and watching these. As an American, I find them so fascinating, and so greatly appreciate your in depth analysis. Leaving a comment as you requested to help get your videos to a larger audience. Come on algorithm, do your thing gurl! Tell the people about Dr. Kat! She makes good videos.

[@--enyo--]

Henry: The original manspreader. Also you can imagine the families ’blessed’ with a visit. “Honey, the king is coming to stay. We better get out his bloody painting again”

[@elizabethnewell3133]

Fun episode. Could you please have someone caption it for people like me who are hard of hearing? I can’t make out the words you use to describe the attached jewels and rubies and the auto captioning doesn’t handle unusual words well.

[@_ZeroQueen_]

Another great video. I love learning about the symbolism and history in the paintings. The portrait shows an idealized version of how Henry wanted to be seen. I dont think it was meant to be an honest depiction of him

[@melissaknive3494]

Hi Dr Kat - Could you present a thought experiment about what might have happened if Catherine of Aragon and the King hadn't had so many problems procreating and their son had been born shortly after their marriage? Would Henry have been less paranoid and let his son see more of the world than his father allowed him? And would Mary, being second born, have actually been married at the traditional time?

[@millymollymrst3537]

Another amazing video on my favourite subject of the Tudors. So interesting.😊

[@Scraggledust]

Love the presentation as well as the encouragement for coming up with our own understanding/interpretation of history! I find the arts of the Tudor period fascinating. The groundwork was laid for the explosion of advancements in the following centuries

[@TheTam0613]

I've always wondered if that leg ulcer never healed due to diabetes? I think Henry 8th had diabetes or an insulin problem.

[@nancytestani1470]

Just exquisite..look at the material, jewels…wonderful

[@bendrui]

The impression I get from the portrait is that Henry 8th was loud. By that I mean he preferred that everyone know when he was in the room, and that he enjoyed all the royal pomp and circumstance. Whether that reflects the actual man, I have no idea.

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Never knew that about diamonds painted black. Very interesting to me as a historical dress nerd. Thanks!

[@cmcg9035]

The glove in Henry's portrait looks suggestively like a spent phallus. Thanks for another in depth art video!

[@chuzzthefuzz1908]

I love your videos about the Tudors - a fascinating family! Thank you.

[@KitOfTheWeirdWoods]

I am curious as to where ostrich feathers like the one in Henry's bonnet would have been sourced at the time. They must have been extremely expensive!

[@Marcus51090]

I really feel Hans Holbein the younger is a very slept on artist, he didn’t dramatically change art etc but he was a very good painter

[@martyal]

😊I enjoy the videos of you analyzing paintings and Holbein was a true master.

[@delphinidin]

I'm very interested in the idea that Renaissance painters depicted diamonds as black. I can't find any information on that: can you expand on it?

[@wvs3917a]

Dr Kat, I have always wondered what sort of England we would have today if Henry the 8th died at the jousting tournament...no Edward the the 6th etc etc

[@cardinalgin]

Another one of your rigorous and interesting insights into portraiture -vs- the reality of those times. Please continue your great work, Dr Kat.😊

[@--enyo--]

I love these videos talking about the paintings and their methods and roles in propaganda/‘spin’.

[@margeoconnor166]

This image and the hubris of Henry VIII remind me of a recent former American President.

[@joanneroper8379]

Really interesting information and nicely done. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@elenakordonowy1587]

I am not sure if it is accurate, but I remember hearing that cod pieces were used to hold the mercury treatments for syphilis, and that all men started to wear them so that no one new which men had syphilis.

[@gafls3151]

As a student of Tudor history, I give your interpretation the highest grade!!! ❤

[@ribkan4759]

Execution of Thomas Moore 1535 21:30

[@tessat338]

I had the privilege of seeing this painting at the Met in NYC when it was on tour this past January. If you are in Cleveland, Ohio, you can see this painting and others until May 14, 2023 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, a good museum at any time of year. The exhibit, The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England, goes on to San Francisco, California to the Museum of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, from June 24 to September 24, 2023. I've never been to the Museum of Fine Arts in SFO to either location, so I can't speak for it, but the exhibition is not to be missed!

[@grtlyblesd]

Oooh, will have to see it while it’s in California!

[@maggie_oshea]

Another entertaining and interesting video. Love anything Tudor related 🙂

[@franciseastwood2709]

The rubies are actually spinel gems. There is debate as to whether the royals who wore them knew they were not rubies.

[@catchofilada3915]

Interesting video! I've seen this painting a lot and I'm happy to know what it means

[@charliekezza]

I'd always wondered why they used so many black stones😂 now I know

[@CrazyArtistLady]

I definitely think that Henry believed his own PR! 😂

[@JohnSmith-pm6zb]

Fantastic video Dr Kat! I’ve seen this image countless times, but never, until your excellent explanation, had I appreciated all the hidden meanings in it. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@ReadingthePast]

Thank you, I’m so pleased you found this video useful ☺️

[@susannaheanes]

Lots of food for thought! Thank you for another lovely video ❤