Painter, 1497 to 1543
Hans Holbein the Younger
Holbein painted Henry VIII several times, but only one portrait by him survives, and it is in Madrid: a small panel in the Thyssen, a few rooms from the Ghirlandaio.
- Born
- 1497, Augsburg, Germany
- Died
- 1543, London, England
- Movement
- Northern Renaissance
- In Madrid
- 1 work in 1 museum
Where to see Hans Holbein the Younger in Madrid
Each work with the museum it hangs in. Museums move and lend their works, so check before a special journey.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum1 work
Portrait of Henry VIII
about 1537
The king half length, in a jewelled doublet and a plumed cap, broad and unsmiling. It is smaller than a sheet of paper.
The life of Hans Holbein the Younger
Hans Holbein was born in Augsburg about 1497, the son of a painter, and made his name in Basel. He came to England in 1526 with a letter from Erasmus to Thomas More, went home, and returned for good in 1532. He became painter to the king and died in London in 1543, probably of the plague.
More, who would not accept the king's break with Rome, was beheaded in 1535. Cromwell, who managed that break, followed him in 1540. Henry Clay Frick bought their portraits three years apart and hung them either side of his chimneypiece, where they have looked past each other ever since.
What to know
- The only surviving painted portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein himself
- Born
- About 1497, Augsburg, Germany
- Died
- 1543, London, England
Hans Holbein the Younger: common questions
- Where can you see Hans Holbein the Younger in Madrid?
- At the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Portrait of Henry VIII. Museums move and lend their works, so check before a special journey.
- What is Hans Holbein the Younger's most famous work in Madrid?
- Portrait of Henry VIII, of about 1537, at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The king half length, in a jewelled doublet and a plumed cap, broad and unsmiling. It is smaller than a sheet of paper.
- When and where was Hans Holbein the Younger born?
- About 1497, at Augsburg, Germany. Hans Holbein the Younger died in 1543, at London, England, aged about 46.
- What is Hans Holbein the Younger known for?
- The only surviving painted portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein himself. Hans Holbein the Younger was a German painter, of the Northern Renaissance.
Tickets and tours: Hans Holbein the Younger in Madrid
Things to do near the Thyssen
The nearest of this site's best things to do in the city. Distances are in a straight line.
- 17Look over Madrid's rooftops from the Círculo de Bellas Artes300 m awayMonument, 45 to 90 minutes, ticket for the roof
- 1Spend a morning with Velázquez and Goya at the Prado350 m awayMuseum, 2.5 to 5 hours, ticket, free in the last two hours
- 14Find Goya and Zurbarán at the Real Academia de San Fernando550 m awayMuseum, 1 to 2 hours, ticket
- 12Walk the Gran Vía and stand at Kilometre Zero in the Puerta del Sol750 m awayWalk, 1 to 2 hours, free
Where to eat near the Thyssen
The nearest of the famous tables this site lists in Madrid. Distances are in a straight line.
- Viva Madrid4.5Tavern, Barrio de las Letras400 m away
- Casa Alberto4.4Tavern, Barrio de las Letras500 m away
- Antigua Pastelería del Pozo4.5Pastry shop, Puerta del Sol550 m away
- Lhardy4.2Restaurant, Carrera de San Jerónimo550 m away
Hotels near the Thyssen
The five-star hotels closest to it, of those this site lists in Madrid. Distances are in a straight line.
- The Palace, Madrid4.6Five-star hotel, Plaza de las Cortes100 m away
- Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid4.7Five-star hotel, Plaza de la Lealtad200 m away
- Gran Hotel Inglés4.7Five-star hotel, Barrio de las Letras400 m away
- The Principal Madrid4.5Five-star hotel, Gran Vía400 m away
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