Han Holbien, one of the greatest artists of all time, died in London of the plague some time during October and November of 1543.
Hans Holbien A self-portrait
Did you know that Holbein was a talented metal worker and a designer of jewellry as well as being a dab hand with the paint brush?
Holbein was born in Augsburg Germany in the latter end of 1497/8. Taught by his father, Hans Holbein the Elder, he was a versatile and accomplished artist who is credited as bringing
"Renaissance in painting from continental Europe to Britain."
Through his outstanding and numerous works of art we are able to see into the world of Tudor England and, almost as if they were standing in front of you, the men and women who frequented Henry VIII's court. He had arrived in England in 1526 in the hope of a career as a court artist. He is known to have spent the early part of 1527 designing scenes for the ceilings of Henry VIII’s banqueting hall and theatre at Greenwich Palace, and it was not long before many of Henry's leading courtiers and other nobles were commissioning him to paint their portraits, Sir Thomas Wyatt and George Neville to name but two.(See Below)
By 1532 Holbein was settled in England, seven years later he finished his life size wall painting of Henry at Whitehall Place. He was sent abroad to capture the likeness of two prospective brides for Henry. The portrait of Christina, Duchess of Milan and Anne of Cleves are the only two that have survived. Everybody knows the story of Henry's reaction to seeing Anne of Cleves in the flesh.
Holbein made his will on 7 October 1543 and on the 29th of November his will was in administration, so it is fair to say that Hans Holbein died between those two dates.
Where and when he was buried is not known.
Holbein was born in Augsburg Germany in the latter end of 1497/8. Taught by his father, Hans Holbein the Elder, he was a versatile and accomplished artist who is credited as bringing
"Renaissance in painting from continental Europe to Britain."
Through his outstanding and numerous works of art we are able to see into the world of Tudor England and, almost as if they were standing in front of you, the men and women who frequented Henry VIII's court. He had arrived in England in 1526 in the hope of a career as a court artist. He is known to have spent the early part of 1527 designing scenes for the ceilings of Henry VIII’s banqueting hall and theatre at Greenwich Palace, and it was not long before many of Henry's leading courtiers and other nobles were commissioning him to paint their portraits, Sir Thomas Wyatt and George Neville to name but two.(See Below)
By 1532 Holbein was settled in England, seven years later he finished his life size wall painting of Henry at Whitehall Place. He was sent abroad to capture the likeness of two prospective brides for Henry. The portrait of Christina, Duchess of Milan and Anne of Cleves are the only two that have survived. Everybody knows the story of Henry's reaction to seeing Anne of Cleves in the flesh.
Holbein made his will on 7 October 1543 and on the 29th of November his will was in administration, so it is fair to say that Hans Holbein died between those two dates.
Where and when he was buried is not known.
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