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CHRISTIAN VON MECHEL (1737-1817) AFTER HANS HOLBEIN THE YOUNGER (1497/8-1543)

The Family of Thomas More

1787

RCIN 659104

This print is a copy of a pen and ink drawing by Hans Holbein the Younger, now in Basel. Holbein’s drawing is his annotated record of an early draft of his painting of the family of Sir Thomas More. The group portrait was one of the artist’s first commissions after his arrival in England in 1526. Holbein sent the drawing as a gift to More’s friend Erasmus in 1528. Holbein showed the members of More’s household sitting and standing, in conversation and reading books. Although the painting no longer survives, it is known through early copies and Holbein’s portrait drawings of members of the family which are in the Royal Collection.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.