Holbein and England

One of the greatest artists of sixteenth-century Europe, Hans Holbein the younger earned high acclaim for his work both in the city of Basel and in England for Henry VIII and other patrons. This book is the first to explore the full range of the artist’s English body of work as well as the relation of this work to the visual and material culture of Tudor England. Providing a detailed account of the paintings, drawings, and woodcuts that Holbein produced in England, the book demonstrates convincingly that that country was not as remote from a common European culture as is often assumed. Rather, it was an unmistakable part of that culture.
Susan Foister discusses not only Holbein's well-known portraits but also his decorative paintings and murals, now lost, his designs for goldsmiths, and the works that can be associated with the English Reformation. In addition, she considers Holbein's religious and secular images, his techniques and practices, his status as an official court painter, and a variety of other intriguing topics.

An original account of how one of the greatest Renaissance artists held a mirror up to the cultural life of early Tudor England.

Library Journal

This thorough book by Foister (director of collections, National Gallery, London; Giotto to Dorer) focuses on Hans Holbein the Younger's years in Tudor England, in 1526-28 and 1532-43. With a letter of introduction from Erasmus to philosopher Sir Thomas More (of whom he did a portrait), Holbein quickly permeated English society and became a highly valued artist to King Henry VIII. His output of portraiture during this period was prolific; he painted Henry VIII and other nobles such as Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, and Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan. The author explores issues such as patronage by looking at wills, probate inventories, and other contemporary documents. In addition, Foister examines Holbein's religious works in the context of the English Reformation and argues that some of the art produced in England during this period shows the influence of certain Dutch and French artistic styles. While illustrated with beautiful reproductions, this detailed, scholarly study is recommended specifically for academic libraries that support programs in art history.-Sandra Rothenberg, Framingham State Coll. Lib., MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Susan Foister is curator of Early Netherlandish, German and British painting and Director of Collections, National Gallery London.