Henry VIII and Henry VII, cartoon for wall painting in Whitehall 1537

This is Hans Holbein the Younger's "Henry VIII and Henry VII, cartoon for wall painting in Whitehall," made in the 16th century. Holbein, a German artist working in England, was charged with visually reinforcing the Tudor dynasty's legitimacy. This cartoon, a preparatory drawing for a large-scale mural, presents Henry VIII as the embodiment of royal authority and masculine power. The king's robust figure and opulent attire are meant to inspire awe and project an image of strength and dominance. Yet, it's impossible to ignore the complexities of this image. Henry's reign was marked by religious upheaval, political maneuvering, and, of course, his six marriages, issues that destabilized traditional gender roles. Holbein's image both reinforces and belies this tumultuous period in English history. The mural was destroyed in 1698, but Holbein's image of Henry VIII continues to shape our perceptions of the king and his place in history. It serves as a potent reminder of how art can be used to construct and reinforce power dynamics.