"Hans Holbein's psychological insight, magisterial compositions and cool palette ensure his status as one of the greatest ever European painters. This richly illustrated volume, published to accompany the major exhibition at the Mauritshuis in the Hague, offers readers glorious reproductions of some forty paintings, as well as perceptive and scholarly accounts of Holbein's oeuvre in its full historical and artistic context." "The book emphasises the period beginning in 1532, when Holbein settled in England. From 1536 he was court painter to King Henry VIII (1491-1547), when he immortalized not only the King himself, but several of Henry's prospective spouses, actual wives and children as well. He also drew and painted other prominent figures, including German merchants in London, ambassadors and members of the English court. After almost 400 years, these portraits have lost none of their profoundly expressive power. In addition to faithfully conveying the physical appearance of his sitters, Holbein was among the very first artists to portray people as flesh and blood, as strong and decisive personalities who continue to intrigue and move us."--Jacket.
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