← Hans Holbein the Younger

Portrait of John Poyntz

Original title: Portrait of John Poyntz

Artist

Hans Holbein the Younger

Date

early 16th century

Medium

Black and red chalk (use of stumping), brush and brown wash and black ink

Dimensions

5-5/16 x 3-3/4 inches (13.5 x 9.5 cm)

Credit line

Purchase, The Chester Dale Collection, Bequest of Chester Dale, by exchange, 2000

kurzbeschreibung

A man in profile, wearing a dark cap and with long hair, is captured on this sheet by Hans Holbein the Younger. The drawing dates from the early 16th century and combines black and red chalk with brushwork, brown wash, and black ink on paper.

Description

The head is turned to the side, the plain dark cap set slightly back. The facial expression remains calm, the gaze directed a little to the right. There is hardly any background, so all attention falls on the face. Grey dominates the drawing, with brown tones on the face and headwear. Hatching and brushstrokes bring out contours and surfaces.

Context

Holbein drew this sheet in England while working as a painter at the court of Henry VIII. John Poyntz belonged to the English nobility and was part of Holbein's circle. Portrait studies of this kind could serve as a model for a painting or stand on their own.

Impact

Clearly guided lines and carefully graded shading give the sheet an immediate, personal feel. Because the colours are subdued and the expression remains calm, the portrait comes across as quiet and dignified.

Technique

Black and red chalk are combined with brush, brown wash, and black ink. Stumping creates soft transitions and finely graded shadows.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)