HOLBEIN, Hans the Younger
(b. 1497, Augsburg, d. 1543, London)

Double Portrait of Sir Thomas Godsalve and His Son John

1528
Resin tempera on oak, 35 x 36 cm
Gemäldegalerie, Dresden

Whereas the man on the right can be identified as Thomas Godsalve from the inscription on the paper he holds, the name of the younger, subordinate figure is not stated; yet the similarity of the two clearly shows that they are father and son. The rich landowner Godsalve was a close friend of Thomas Cromwell, thanks to whose influence Godsalve's son John, born in 1510, was able to embark on a career at court.