Review: Holbein at the Tudor Court at The Queen's Gallery

Who better to have your portrait painted by than Hans Holbein? The Tudors were indeed fortunate! The Queen’s Gallery is currently hosting a wonderful exhibition, Holbein at the Tudor Court, showcasing some of the most important and exquisite collections by this master painter. Drawings, paintings, miniatures, and illustrations by Hans Holbein the Younger from The Royal Collection adorn the walls and display cases in this gallery, each more beautiful than the last. Some of the drawings are particularly astonishing; they appear so lifelike that they seem poised to leap off the paper. These drawings depict some of the most famous and influential people of the 16th century, executed on 16th-century paper with 16th-century ink, chalk, and paint. They are absolutely incredible—intimate, delicate, and extraordinary pieces of art.

Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543). Mary Shelton, later Lady Heveningham (1510/15-1570/71). RCIN 912227.

The exhibition not only highlights Holbein’s remarkable artistic skills, but also shows his career path from when he arrived to London, to when he rose to royal fame and became court painter. What a portraitist he was, his first works were for Sir Thomas More and his circle, he went on to become more famous, painted the king, King Henry VIII, and along this path, he captured some of the most important people of the 16th century, and his drawings tell us their stories, stories of people like Mary Shelton, Henry Howard, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Princess Mary, Prince Edward to only name a few. As can be imagined, these drawings are far too sensitive to be on permanent display; therefore, this remarkable exhibition offers visitors the rare opportunity for an up-close view of these astonishing drawings.

Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543). Sir Thomas More (1478-1535). RCIN 912268.

A look at the magnificent details in them, from the eyes to the eyelashes, the curls in the hair, the fur of their clothes, the colour of the ink, chalk, paint, to the notes made on them. It’s a unique opportunity to feel close to the 16th century sitters and simply admire Holbein’s wondrous mastery.

Date: 10 November 2023 - 14 April 2024. Location: The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Time: The gallery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and open 10am-5:30pm on Monday, Thursday-Sunday. Price: £19. Concessions available and ticket can be converted for a free re-admission to a 1-Year Pass on day of visit.

Words by Massoumeh Safinia