William Reskimer held several minor positions at Henry VIII’s court, among them Page of the Chamber. He was later granted keepership of the ports of the Duchy of Cornwall and was appointed Gentleman Usher. This painting shows Reskimer with a long red beard against a background of vines.

A comparison of the preparatory drawing and painting shows just how closely Holbein followed the drawing in the finished work. Holbein probably continued to amend his drawing as he worked on the painting, minutely refining the image to achieve the lifelike pose which made his work so admired by his contemporaries.