Edward VI (1537–1553), When Duke of Cornwall
Original title: Edward VI (1537–1553), When Duke of Cornwall
kurzbeschreibung
Hans Holbein the Younger painted this round portrait of the future King Edward VI around 1545, when the sitter was about six years old. Executed in oil and gold on oak, the work was reworked after 1547. It shows the prince in his role as Duke of Cornwall, dressed in festive attire against a blue ground.
Description
Seen in profile, the young Edward has short red hair. He wears a black cap adorned with pearls in gold and black, plus a white feather. The collar and shoulders of his red jacket are trimmed with fur. A uniform blue forms the background, with the Latin inscription 'AETATIS SVAE VI' at the left.
Context
The portrait was made around 1545, a time when Edward still held the title of Duke of Cornwall; it was reworked after 1547, likely in connection with his accession to the throne. Holbein served as court painter to Henry VIII and produced several official likenesses of the royal family. The tondo, a common format in Renaissance portraiture, underscored the image's representational ambition.
Impact
The profile pose and the prince's open gaze give the portrait a serious, almost adult presence. Precious materials and careful execution emphasize the sitter's princely rank. The round shape makes the portrait feel both approachable and ceremonial.
Technique
The painting is executed in oil and gold on oak, a familiar combination in English court art. Gold is used, among other things, for the pearls, lending the work its precious character. The fact that the portrait was reworked after 1547 suggests an adaptation to the changed political situation.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)