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... However, instead of presenting valid images of oneself, many kings entertained the idea of manipulating their image to cater to the political and social events of the time. For example, several portraits of King Henry VIII, which were commissioned throughout his reign from 1509-1547, illustrated images of his progression of power from young prince to insurmountable icon.
While many of the earlier portraits of King Henry VIII were painted by anonymous artists, most of his portraits were commissioned or influenced by the German painter, Hans Holbein the Younger. Introduced to King Henry VIII’s court through the recommendation of Sir Thomas Moore in 1536, Holbein became the official painter to the English court at the age of 29. Not only commissioned to paint the splendor of the king and his court, but also the potential wives for Henry VIII following his first three marriages, Holbein adopted a style of English portraiture which was “characteristically depicted through the use of flat pattern, elaborately designed costume, and aloof, inscrutable features,” (Gaunt, 19).
One of the earliest portraits of young Henry VIII (Figure 1), which was painted by an unknown artist, can be securely dated to about 1520 and remains on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. ... In this painting, King Henry VIII is portrayed as a slender young prince bearing obvious wealth and prestige as evident in his ornately jeweled dress and gold amulet necklace. Unlike later portrayals of King Henry VIII, this image of future king does not overly exude themes of power, but mainly serves to establish his position as a prominent member of the English court who will eventually inherit a remarkably prosperous and stable kingdom. In fact, this portrait presents an overall pleasant and non-demeaning representation of Henry VIII as evident in the sitter’s angled profile, non-direct eye contact, and the seemingly uncomfortable placement of his hands, as though in a state of uncertainty while he fiddles with his ring.
During the first 20 years as king, Henry VIII experiences a predominantly successful reign. However, in 1533, turmoil between the king and the Catholic Church is initiated with Henry VIII’s wish to divorce his current wife, Catherine of Aragon, due to her inabilities to bear a son, who will, consequently, be heir to the throne.
Approximate Word count = 1774
Approximate Pages = 7.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
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