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Charles II: Art & Power

A lavish publication to accompany the Royal Collection exhibition

HANS HOLBEIN THE YOUNGER (1497/8-1543)

Frances, Countess of Surrey (1517-1577)

c.1532-3

Black and coloured chalks with white heightening and touches of black ink on pink prepared paper | 31.0 x 21.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912214

A portrait drawing of Frances, Countess of Surrey (1517-1577), wife of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and daughter of John, 15th Earl of Oxford. A half-length portrait facing to the front. She wears a yellow headdress, pendant and girdle. Her dress has been inscribed by the artist: rosa felbet (pink velvet), flebet (velvet), schwarz (black) and (?) rot (red). Inscribed in an eighteenth-century hand at upper left: The Lady Surry.

Frances de Vere married Henry Howard in 1532, and it is possible that these this drawing along with a companion piece of her husband (RCIN 912215) were made at that time, in preparation for painted portraits. This drawing includes notes in Holbein's hand to record the colours and materials worn by the Countess.
  • watermark: close to Briquet 1457, watermark cut [same as 12256,12221,12260,12242]


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.