Tudor Men 1520sTudor Men 1520s

Miniature of King Henry VIII

Detail of Miniature of King Henry VIII. Illuminated by Lucas Horenbout (?). England, ca 1525-27. Parchment laid on card, 1 7/8” diameter. Collection: Windsor Castle, inv. RCIN.420640.

“One of the earliest portrait miniatures produced in England, this image depicts Henry VIII at approximately thirty-five years of age. The bearded king is shown in his prime, wearing a black cap with gold ornaments, a tunic of pale green brocade, a white shirt with black embroidery, and a fur-trimmed cloak.” (To my eye, it looks more like the front edge of a gown, especially since cloaks didn't seem as popular, but this is my opinion.)

Note: the blue background/the whole circle of the painted image is edged in gold.

Image from the book Illuminating the Renaissance: The Triumph of Flemish Manuscript Painting in Europe, by J. Paul Getty Trust (2003). Image pg 436. Getty Publications. Los Angeles, CA, USA. Paperback edition. ISBN #0-8923-6704-0.

With thanks to Teleri of Gwynedd, aka Barbara Perrotta, for the loan of her wonderful book.

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