Henry VIII, King of England 1750

Editor: Here we have an engraving of Henry VIII, King of England, by Jacobus Houbraken. It’s a very formal portrait, framed by an ornate decorative structure. What strikes you most about this image? Curator: Oh, it's the dance between power and vulnerability. The king, framed by symbols of his reign, but look closer at the base—cherubs almost wrestling? It's like a playful commentary on the burdens of leadership. A tightrope walk between divine right and human frailty. What do you think? Editor: That tension is fascinating! I hadn’t considered the cherubs in that light. It seems less straightforward than I initially thought. Curator: Exactly! Art often whispers secrets, doesn’t it? Now, I want to go look at more Houbraken...