De Vos Van Steenwijk 1541

Hans Holbein the Younger painted this oil on panel portrait of De Vos Van Steenwijk in 1541. Holbein was working in England at this time, in the milieu of the Tudor court. As a portrait painter, Holbein was known for his realism and attention to detail. Here, the sitter's garments are rendered in great detail, with sensitivity to the different textures of fur and cloth. The inscription gives the sitter’s age. As the image is so naturalistic, this is clearly intended to convey the sitter's character and social standing. In fact, portraiture became a popular genre during the Tudor era because it offered a way for people to express their individuality, status, and aspirations. Understanding Holbein's artistic choices, and the social conditions that shaped them, calls for a blend of visual analysis, historical research, and attention to the institutions of art. Only through this combination can we unlock the full meaning and significance of this compelling portrait.