Study for the Family Portrait of Thomas More 1527

Hans Holbein the Younger made this drawing on paper, a study for a family portrait, sometime in the first half of the 16th century. The linear quality of the drawing is immediately apparent, achieved with a quill or fine brush, where the controlled marks create a sense of depth and form, typical of the Northern Renaissance style. The even distribution of the figures and the precise details of the interiors highlight a focus on observation and documentation. The labor is evident in the detailed rendering of each face and fold of fabric, which signals both the artist’s skill and the patron’s wealth. The presence of annotations, written directly onto the drawing, reveal how Holbein meticulously recorded the colors and fabrics for the final painting. Holbein’s drawing exemplifies a pivotal moment where craft and fine art converged, emphasizing the role of skilled labor in artistic production. This careful preparatory work underscores the value placed on both artistic skill and the social status of the family being portrayed. By focusing on the labor-intensive aspects of the drawing, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values and economic relationships that shaped artistic production in the 16th century.