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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

Portrait of King Henry VIII
After Hans Holbein the Younger
English School, circa 1750
A refined Georgian cabinet portrait of King Henry VIII, painted in oil on oak panel and presented in its original 18th-century carved gilt frame. This intimate yet powerful work reinterprets the iconic Holbein prototype, offering both historical significance and strong decorative presence.
Description
This mid-18th-century English School painting depicts Henry VIII in bust-length within a painted oval, derived from the famous 16th-century image by Hans Holbein the Younger.
Holbein’s lost Whitehall mural established the definitive likeness of Henry VIII—an enduring symbol of Tudor power and authority. This composition was widely reproduced through engravings and paintings, becoming one of the most recognisable royal images in European art.
The present work captures that same commanding presence in a compact, cabinet-scale format, ideal for interior display.
Artistic Qualities
The portrait is carefully composed, with the monarch shown in a poised, frontal position and steady gaze. The painted oval format creates a sense of focus and refinement, typical of Georgian antiquarian taste.
Key features include:
Subtle, controlled modelling of the face
Warm, balanced tones against a dark ground
Crisp detailing in the jewelled cap and feather plume
Highlighted collar and insignia providing depth and contrast
The surface displays light, age-appropriate craquelure, adding to its authenticity and visual texture.
Painted on a single chamfered oak panel, consistent with 18th-century cabinet picture production.
Historical Context
Created around 1750, this painting reflects the Georgian fascination with Tudor history. During this period, collectors sought portraits of earlier monarchs for display in libraries, studies and country houses.
These works were often based on engraved sources, particularly those derived from Holbein’s original designs, and were valued for both their historical associations and decorative appeal.
The inclusion of the Order of the Garter badge reinforces the established iconography of Henry VIII as sovereign and founder of the English Church.
Frame
The painting is housed in its original 18th-century carved wooden gilt frame.
The frame has been later overpainted in gilt and shows age-related wear including small losses, cracking and historic repairs, all consistent with its period. The carving remains well defined and contributes significantly to the overall presence of the piece.
Dimensions
Panel: 15 cm x 15 cm
Framed: 35 cm x 35 cm x 7 cm
A compact yet impactful piece, well suited to:
Library or study walls
Gallery groupings
Period and contemporary interiors
Provenance
Private German Collection (label verso)
Gorringes Auctioneers, Sussex
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum
The Continental label adds an additional layer of historical interest and demonstrates the wider European appreciation of English royal portraiture.
Condition
The painting has been professionally conserved in January 2026.
Cleaned and stabilised
Old varnish reduced and replaced
Minor losses filled and retouched
Surface now clear and balanced
The oak panel is stable with no active issues.
The frame shows expected age-related wear but remains structurally sound.
A full conservation report is available on request.
Decorative Appeal
This is a highly versatile piece combining historical portraiture with strong decorative value. The rich tones, oval composition and substantial gilt frame allow it to sit comfortably within both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Ideal for collectors of:
Tudor and British history
Georgian art
Portraiture
Interior designers seeking character pieces with narrative
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured.

  • Period: 18th century
    • Price: £18,500.00
    • €21,395 Euro
    • $24,825 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 35cm (13.78in)
    • W: 35cm (13.78in)
    • D: 7cm (2.76in)