Portrait of Sir Richard Southwell - Hans Holbein the Younger
Archival giclée
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Description
A precise 1536 portrait of the Tudor courtier Sir Richard Southwell, painted by Hans Holbein the Younger with characteristic Northern Renaissance detail.
Hans Holbein the Younger painted this portrait of Sir Richard Southwell in 1536. Southwell was a prominent figure in the court of King Henry VIII, serving as a courtier and administrator. Holbein, who moved to England from the continent, became the primary portraitist for the Tudor elite. His approach to portraiture is defined by a precise, objective observation of his subjects.
In this work, the sitter is depicted in a three-quarter view against a plain, dark background. The composition focuses on the physical presence of the man. Holbein captures the texture of the black velvet doublet and the subtle sheen of the white shirt beneath. The artist uses a controlled palette, allowing the focus to remain on the facial features and the psychological state of the sitter. The inscription on the background provides specific details regarding the date and the age of the subject, a common practice in Holbein's portraiture to document the identity and status of the individual.
Holbein's technique involves a smooth application of paint, which hides the brushwork and creates a realistic surface. The lighting is soft, modelling the face to reveal the contours of the jaw and the expression of the eyes. This portrait reflects the values of the Northern Renaissance, where the artist aims for a high degree of accuracy and detail. The work remains a clear example of the portrait style that defined the English court during the sixteenth century. It provides a direct visual record of a man who occupied a position of influence during a period of significant political change in England.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Portrait of Sir Richard Southwell - Hans Holbein the Younger
Artist Biography
Hans Holbein The Younger
He was born in Augsburg, Germany, the son of a painter also called Hans Holbein. He studied under his father and was working independently by his late teens. He moved to Basel, where he painted portraits and religious works and illustrated Erasmus's In Praise of Folly with marginal drawings. Erasmus recommended him to Thomas More in England, writing that 'the arts are freezing' in Basel and Holbein should try his luck elsewhere.
He arrived in London in 1526 and painted More's family portrait, the first group portrait of a domestic scene in Northern European art. He returned to Basel, found the Reformation had destroyed the market for religious art, and went back to England permanently in 1532.
His portraits of the Tudor court are the visual record of the period: Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn (probably), Jane Seymour, and the succession of courtiers and merchants who populated Henry's orbit. The technique is almost supernaturally precise. The textures of fur, velvet, jewellery, and skin are rendered with a fidelity that makes other portraitists look approximate.
He was sent to paint prospective brides for Henry, including Anne of Cleves, whose portrait Henry found more attractive than the person. Holbein was not blamed. He died during a plague outbreak in London in 1543, at forty-five.
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