Sir Thomas More
1527
Hans Holbein the Younger captured Sir Thomas More in this striking 1527 portrait, just before More became Lord Chancellor of England. Notice the heavy gold chain with the Tudor rose pendant—a symbol of his high office and favor with Henry VIII. Holbein was a master of realism, painting the fur collar and velvet sleeves with such precision you can almost feel the texture. More looks off to the side, holding a letter, perhaps hinting at the intellectual and political turmoil that would eventually lead to his execution for refusing to break with the Catholic Church.
- Technique
- oil on panel
Location: The Frick Collection, New York
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