Holbein's work for the English court did not stop at portraits; he also produced designs for court dress, necklaces, jewellery, hat-badges and brooches. More than two hundred and fifty designs for craftsmen, particularly goldsmiths, are attributed to him, and he was responsible for much of the plate and weapons in use at Henry's court. His decorative style shows a delight in flowing Renaissance forms of exuberant and sophisticated complexity that contrasts sharply with the direct realism of his portraits.
The most lavish and ornate design for goldsmith's work now surviving is Jane Seymour's Cup, which was ordered by Henry when he married Jane Seymour in 1536. The design has all the grace and stylish refinement that we associate with European mannerism; few other examples of such calibre were to find their way to England.
Summary of paintings by Hans Holbein the Younger |
1515-19 | 1519-25 | altarpieces | 1526-28 | 1529-31 |
1532-35 | Ambassadors | Henry VIII and his family | 1536-43 |
drawings and woodcuts | miniatures | Miscellaneous works |