Tudor Historical Oil Portrait of Sir Thomas More Manner of Hans Holbein

Tudor Historical Portrait of Sir Thomas More Manner of Hans Holbein

Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas After the Celebrated Portrait Tradition of Hans Holbein the Younger

Highlights

• Historical portrait of Sir Thomas More
• Early 20th century
• Manner of Hans Holbein the Younger
• Oil on canvas
• Strong Tudor decorative character
• Deep red clothing with fur trim
• Gold Collar of Esses
• Tudor rose pendant
• Cheffins Fine Art provenance
• Framed 92.8 x 79 x 2.5 cm
• Later gilt moulded frame
• Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

Introduction

A substantial and highly decorative portrait of Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) dating from the early 20th century and painted in the manner of Hans Holbein the Younger.

The composition draws upon the enduring portrait tradition associated with More, presenting him in rich Tudor dress against a dark background.

With its red, gold, fur and gilt palette, the painting has a particularly strong presence within a traditional or collected interior.

Catalogue Details

Attribution: Manner of Hans Holbein the Younger

Subject: Sir Thomas More

Date: Early 20th century

Medium: Oil on canvas

Signature: Unsigned

Canvas Dimensions: Approximately 79 x 64.5 cm

Framed Dimensions: 92.8 x 79 x 2.5 cm

Frame: Later decorative gilt moulded frame

Catalogue Note

The portrait combines historical subject matter with considerable decorative appeal.

The sitter's rich red clothing provides the dominant colour, while pale fur and the elaborate gold Collar of Esses introduce contrasting textures.

A Tudor rose pendant hangs prominently from the chain.

These elements are set against a dark background that focuses attention upon the sitter and contributes to the formal character of the composition.

The painting's generous 92.8 cm framed height gives it sufficient presence for a feature wall, library, entrance hall, drawing room or period-inspired interior.

The Portrait Tradition

Hans Holbein the Younger's celebrated 1527 image of Sir Thomas More established the visual model through which the statesman became familiar to later generations.

The present painting dates from the early 20th century and forms part of the much later tradition of paintings inspired by established historic portrait types.

Cheffins Fine Art previously catalogued the work as Manner of Hans Holbein (Early 20th Century).

That conservative attribution is retained.

Sir Thomas More

More was a lawyer, scholar, author, Renaissance humanist and statesman.

He became Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII and was the author of Utopia.

His conflict with the king ultimately led to his execution in 1535.

More's extraordinary historical legacy, together with the enduring portraits associated with Holbein, has made him one of the most recognisable personalities of Tudor England.

Provenance

Cheffins Fine Art, The Interiors Sale, 16 January 2025, Lot 434.

Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Canvas:

Approximately 79 cm high x 64.5 cm wide

Framed:

92.8 cm high x 79 cm wide x 2.5 cm deep

Condition Report

Historic condition consistent with age.

Extensive craquelure is visible together with age-related surface wear, abrasions, localised paint loss and variations in surface sheen.

There may be evidence of historic restoration.

The work is catalogued as unsigned.

The later gilt moulded frame has general age-related wear.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic oil-on-canvas support and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.