What Is Holbein Telling Us?
It was basically a propaganda (publicity) painting. At the time Henry was 46. He wanted to look young, healthy, elegant and powerful, so he commissioned a painter to make him look that way. Henry’s weight and height (6ft 2ins) are emphasised by painting him larger than life (the painting is almost 8 ft tall). The picture was probably meant to be seen from a low viewpoint. The viewer’s eyes would have been level with Henry’s hips – just where his dagger and clenched fists rest. Henry’s pose is very confident. His feet are wide apart, his hands are at his hips and he is looking straight at the viewer. His costume is wide and his fists are clenched. This all makes him look very strong and aggressive. Holbein has also made Henry’s legs longer and possibly more muscular. This makes his body look slimmer and Henry more elegant. The overall effect is of a powerful, graceful king. His people would respect him, and with his hand so close to his dagger, his enemies would be afraid of him. The co
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- What Is Holbein Telling Us?
