Portrait of a Member of the Wedigh Family 1532

Hans Holbein the Younger painted this oil on panel portrait of a twenty-nine year old member of the Wedigh family in 1532. Holbein was one of the most sought after portraitists in Northern Europe during the early 16th century. The artist uses visual cues to portray the sitter as a man of wealth and status. The sitter wears a black overcoat trimmed with fur. The sitter’s direct gaze, combined with the book and rolled paper, imply that he is educated and successful in his business dealings. Holbein worked during the Reformation, and while he painted many religious works, he's best known for his portraits of merchants, diplomats, and members of the royal court. Holbein was employed by Henry VIII as court painter, and his success depended on his ability to capture the likenesses, and reflect the aspirations, of a rising social class. By studying portraits like this, along with letters, diaries, and financial records from the time, we can learn a great deal about the social and cultural history of 16th century Europe.