Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)
c.1526-7RCIN 912268
Thomas More (1478-1535) was Holbein’s first English patron, and this study for his portrait was one of the artist’s earliest works in London. More was a talented lawyer, an important politician and a respected author. His opposition to Henry VIII’s religious reforms led to his resignation from government in 1532 and his execution in 1535.
watermark: Briquet 1827: three fleurs de lys in a crowned shield [same as 12272,12266]