‘Some of the most startling portraits in existence’: Hans Holbein’s mini masterpieces

The great Renaissance artist exploded into England on the run from anti-art crusaders – and his spellbinding portraits of 16th-century grandees are going on display at last

I am in the Haus of Holbein, to quote the techno number from the hit musical Six. Or anyway, I am in the house of Windsor, which still owns many of Renaissance artist Hans Holbein’s portraits of the Tudor court. They will go on show at the Queen’s Gallery next month but I’m getting a sneak preview in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

The man in front of me could do with a shave. I can see the dark stubble on his face as he seems about to break into a gentle smile. That five o’clock shadow is part of the informality of Holbein’s drawing of Thomas More, the author of Utopia who was executed in 1535. It makes me feel that I am actually meeting this Renaissance thinker.

Continue reading...