Hans Holbein the Younger (1540). Henry VIII [oil on wood panel]. Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome.

Holbein the Youger’s Henry VIII is a simple political portrait of the same vein as Augustus of Primaporta or John Copley Singleton’s Samuel Adams. It presents the individual in a series of contexts dictated by the patron in addition to capturing subtle traits. Henry VIII is presented as stern, virile and in control, qualities all dictators insist they possess. Certainly, subtlety is not an end he values. 

It is clear that Henry VIII wants to emphasize his stature, and he goes further. His opulent clothing further inflates his size. Perhaps the reason why his headdress is so diminutive is because his clothing diminishes his head; his tiny facial features also do this. His style of dress and elevated gaze establish the relationship between subject and observer. The compression of field of view, large canvas size, meek negative space and tension-bearing frame edges further highlight his massiveness. His height is emphasized by the general vertical flow of patterns and edges, consistent with canvas orientation.

Dense greens, lush golds and diluted oranges build an analogous color scheme. Intermediary hues are built on combinations of these base colors. Arguably texture is the dominant element, with this rendering’s patterning of semi-precious stones used to trim his blouse and gold, satin-like shoulder embellishments. This emphasis on sumptuousness and status have something of a flattening effect on what is otherwise a plastic composition.

The qualities communicated by the subject’s facial expression are emphasized by the directional motion of his robes and the half circle that frames his head. Proportions are completely overwhelmed by the man’s massive torso. However, beyond that, there is an interesting interplay between tiny and roughly geometric shapes against luxurious textile surfaces.

Though his favorite method of getting what he wanted was execution, Henry VIII is regarded as a jovial, sports and life-loving ruler that suffered the typical ravages of reasonably responsible supreme power. His sense of inadequacy was the source of motivation for his actions throughout his entire life, but they resulted on-balance in more acts of positivity than megalomania. If I were to compare him to archetypal Roman emperors, it would be Domitian rather than Nero (though both had clear love of a variety of arts) because he was more effective at administrating from afar, while events within the court were infected with an air of distrust and fear due to his capriciousness.

References

(no name given, the Biography.com website) (2017, Dec. 15^th). Henry VIII Biography. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/henry-viii-9335322.

Hutton, Ronald (2011, Feb. 17^th). Henry VIII: Majesty with Menace. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/tudors/majesty_menace_01.shtml#top.