King Henry VIII
Unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist
King Henry VIII (1491-1547), Reigned 1509-47.
Although a comparatively large number of portraits of Henry VIII survive, they are likely to represent only a fraction of those that were made in his lifetime. This portrait may have been owned by Henry's personal chaplain, Anthony de Bellasis, and would have been displayed in order to demonstrate his loyalty to the king at a time of ongoing religious and political turmoil.
The number of artists who came to England from the Netherlands had a significant impact on the technique and style of English art. For example, the paint in the collar has been particularly skilfully handled in order to evoke the delicacy of the fabric. A new frame has been made for this portrait through the support of the Leche Trust.