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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD
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Early 20th Century Portrait of Sir Thomas More Manner of Hans Holbein
Decorative Tudor Historical Portrait in a Gilt Frame After the Celebrated Portrait Tradition Associated with Hans Holbein the Younger
Highlights
• Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)
• Early 20th-century oil on canvas
• Manner of Hans Holbein the Younger
• Cheffins Fine Art provenance
• Rich red Tudor costume
• Fur-trimmed robes
• Collar of Esses and Tudor rose pendant
• Unsigned
• Large decorative format
• Framed 92.8 cm high x 79 cm wide x 2.5 cm deep
• Later gilt moulded frame
• Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution
Introduction
An imposing early 20th-century historical portrait of Sir Thomas More, painted in the manner of Hans Holbein the Younger and inspired by the established Tudor portrait tradition associated with the celebrated court painter.
The sitter is depicted against a dark background wearing rich red clothing edged with fur and an elaborate gold Collar of Esses.
The combination of strong colour, historic subject and substantial proportions gives the portrait considerable decorative presence.
Catalogue Details
Attribution: Manner of Hans Holbein the Younger
Subject: Sir Thomas More
Date: Early 20th century
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature: Unsigned
Canvas: Approximately 79 x 64.5 cm
Framed: 92.8 x 79 x 2.5 cm
Frame: Later decorative gilt moulded frame
Catalogue Note
More's face forms the focal point of the portrait, surrounded by the rich textures and colours of his Tudor costume.
Deep red fabric contrasts with pale fur and the gold tones of the chain crossing his chest.
The Tudor rose pendant and Collar of Esses reinforce the historical character of the composition.
The painting is particularly effective as a decorative historical portrait and would work well within a library, study, entrance hall or traditional country-house interior.
Sir Thomas More
Sir Thomas More was born in 1478 and became one of Tudor England's most significant lawyers, writers, humanists and statesmen.
He served as Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII and was the author of *Utopia*.
More was executed in 1535 following his political and religious conflict with the king.
The Holbein Connection
Hans Holbein the Younger's 1527 portrait established the enduring visual image of More.
This early 20th-century painting belongs to the much later tradition inspired by that portrait type.
Cheffins Fine Art previously catalogued it as **Manner of Hans Holbein (Early 20th Century)**, an attribution retained here.
The painting is not offered as an original work by Holbein.
Provenance
Cheffins Fine Art, The Interiors Sale, 16 January 2025, Lot 434.
Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.
Dimensions
Canvas:
Approximately 79 cm high x 64.5 cm wide
Framed:
92.8 cm high x 79 cm wide x 2.5 cm deep
Condition Report
Historic condition consistent with age.
Extensive craquelure is visible across the painted surface with further age-related surface wear, abrasions, localised paint loss and variations in surface sheen.
Possible evidence of historic restoration is present.
The painting is catalogued as unsigned.
The later gilt moulded frame displays age-related wear.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available.
The painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic oil-on-canvas support and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.
Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution
The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.
Attribution and Research
The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.
These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.
Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.
Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.
- Period: Ealry 20th century
-
- Price: £5,000.00
- €5,822 Euro
- $6,646 US Dollar
- Location: London
-
- Dimensions: H: 92.8cm (36.54in)
- W: 79cm (31.10in)
- D: 2.5cm (0.98in)
