The Dukes of Suffolk by Hans Holbein, Etching and Stipple-engraving by Bartolozzi

The Dukes of Suffolk by Hans Holbein

Hans Holbein the younger (ca. 1497 - 1543)

Henry Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk AND Charles Brandon, 3rd Duke of Suffolk, a pair

engraved by Francesco Bartolozzi RA (1727 - 1815)

etching and stipple-engraving with hand colouring

published, London, John Chamberlaine, 1798

framed in a typical period black lacquered frame with gilt mount, convex glass, oak leaf and acorn gilt hanger. To the verso is mounted the original engraving mount.

Each 43mm Diameter

13cm H, 13cm W (the frames)

Condition: Lovely original condition and colour.

Note:

The original watercolours on vellum by Holbein are in the Royal Collection.

These miniatures of Henry Brandon, second Duke of Suffolk (1535–1551) and its companion piece of Charles Brandon, third Duke of Suffolk (1538–1551) are the only surviving identifiable representations of children within Holbein’s portraiture, with the exception of portraits of Edward VI and of the artist’s own children.

Their inclusion within the group of approximately twenty high-ranking or well-connected persons who sat for portrait miniatures by Holbein can be explained by the quasi-royal status enjoyed by the boys’ father, Charles Brandon, first Duke of Suffolk. His marriage in 1515 to Princess Mary, younger sister of Henry VIII, gave him an elevated position at court which endured even after Princess Mary’s death in 1533. Henry and Charles Brandon, Suffolk’s two sons by his fourth wife, Katherine Willoughby, were jointly educated at an early age with the young Edward VI. They were renowned scholars and studied at St. John’s College, Cambridge, but died of the sweating sickness within half an hour of each other in 1551, Henry aged 16 and Charles aged 14 or 15.

Both miniatures are late products of Holbein’s second extended stay in England from 1532 to 1543. All of Holbein’s surviving miniatures date from his second English visit, and he is stated by Karel Van Mander to have been taught the art of miniature painting by Lucas Horenbout.

[Northern Renaissance: Dürer to Holbein, 2011]

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