Hans Holbein the Younger and Humanism (Northern Renaissance) - 'Anne of Cleves' Analysis
While the Italian Renaissance produced many amazing sculptures and frescoes paintings, ideas such as humanism spread up to northern Europe. There, artists newly perfecting oil paints began creating amazingly realistic works of art. Hans Holbein the Younger was active from 1515-1543 and was one of the most notable artists for portrait paintings.
His work with portraits begun to stand out due to his use of accessories, ability to bring character into the portrait's face, and strong silhouettes. He was associated with a humanist group of acquaintances, one of his most famous works was his portrait of Sir Thomas More, author of Utopia. Humanist ideas and theories, the philosophy focusing on human's individual and social potential without the need for supernatural elements, worked their way into Holbein's artwork. Holbein had given up almost all religious painting by around 1530.
With his rise in popularity for his portrait commissions, he began getting commissioned to do portraits for the royal family. Holbein had done about 150 portraits for nobles and royal members, both life-size and miniature.
A painting that stands out to me is the portrait Anne of Cleves. While I'm drawn to the history of this portrait and Anne of Cleves herself, I'm also fascinated by the detail and colors. A noticeable development in art during the Northern Renaissance is the detail in fabrics. And with oil paint finally reaching it's perfection, achievements in the realism of fabric draping and folding were being made. In the portrait, there is amazing detail in the fabric of her gown. Shading and highlighting to appear as real as possible. The details in her accessories give her another sense of dimension. And the choice of background helps the colors of her gown and the fairness of her skin stand out.
Because this portrait is of one of Henry the VIII's wives, it's tied to an interesting history. Anne of Cleves, in my opinion, turned out to be one of the luckier wives of Henry VIII. The wedding between the two was arranged by the king's head minister Thomas Cromwell. The idea being it would establish ties between protestant England and the protestants of western Germany. When Anne of Cleves arrived in England to meet her betrothed, he was less than thrilled with her appearance. Saying that Holbein had made her more flattering in the painting. Along with her not being able to speak much English, Henry VIII became flat out disinterested in her. He requested an annulment to their marriage which she agreed to. She was awarded a comfortable annual income as well as some properties. She outlived both Henry and his final wife and died peacefully in 1557. Never leaving England after her arrival in 1539.
Citations:
Image: https://rare-ceramics.com/wp-content/uploads/Anne-Cleves-1-a-1-scaled-1.jpg
Roller, S. (2021a) 10 facts about Anne of cleves, History Hit. Available at: https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-anne-of-cleves/
Anne of Cleves (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-of-Cleves-queen-of-England.
Harbison, C.S. (2025a) Hans Holbein the younger, Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hans-Holbein-the-Younger
I can see why Hans Holbein the Younger was so sought after to commission portraits. What an ability to make subjects look better in the painting than in person! This is every woman’s dream! When I opened your blog, I was immediately drawn to the painting that you selected. I think it is the contrast between her fair skin, the clothing, and deep teal color of the background. I am also intrigued by the artist’s ability to use color and tone to make the clothing look so realistic with their ability to show draping and folding. I selected The Madonna of Chancellor Rolin by Jan van Eyck for my blog and noted the same thing.
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