Portret van Hans Holbein II 1832

Ferdinand Joubert created this print, "Portret van Hans Holbein II," sometime in the 19th century. Joubert, working in an era of burgeoning interest in historical figures, depicts Holbein with a direct gaze. The choice to portray Holbein is a telling one. Holbein, a Northern Renaissance artist, navigated the complex social and religious landscapes of his time, serving the English court during the reign of Henry VIII. His portraits were powerful tools in shaping the image of the monarchy. Joubert's revisiting of Holbein speaks to the 19th-century fascination with identity and representation. This image invites us to think about the roles artists play in constructing and reflecting societal values. It’s a quiet, reflective piece, yet it resonates with broader themes of power, identity, and the enduring legacy of artistic vision.