“Portrait of Edward VI as a Child,” rendered circa 1538 by Hans Holbein the Younger in Germany, is an exquisite exemplification of the Northern Renaissance art movement. Executed in oil and tempera on panel, this portrait epitomizes the meticulous detail characteristic of Holbein’s oeuvre. Measuring 44.1 by 56.8 centimeters, it is housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
The artwork captures a young Edward VI adorned in opulent, golden attire. His finely detailed red garment is richly embroidered and adorned with a striking headpiece featuring a feather and intricate designs, emphasizing his royal status. The child’s visage is rendered with delicate precision, showcasing a soft, rounded face, serene expression, and small hands with carefully articulated fingers. Below the young monarch, Latin inscriptions adorn the foreground, adding textual gravitas to the visual narrative. The muted, shadowy background emphasizes the luminosity and prominence of the central figure, thereby focusing attention entirely on the young Edward VI.
