Portrait of Catarina Howard 1541

This oil painting by Hans Holbein the Younger depicts Catarina Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII. The portrait, created in 1541, showcases Holbein’s masterful ability to capture the sitter’s likeness with intricate detail. The portrait is set against a dark background, highlighting Catarina's face, adorned with a pearl necklace and a fashionable French hood, further emphasizing her youthful beauty. The inscription "AETATIS SVAE 21" indicates her age at the time, emphasizing her innocent appearance. The painting, now residing in the Toledo Museum of Art, is a captivating glimpse into the life of a prominent figure during the Tudor period.