The artwork, “Portrait of Sir Brian Tuke,” is an oil painting on wood, created by Hans Holbein the Younger circa 1527 in Germany. It belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and measures 49.1 x 38.5 cm. The genre of this piece is a portrait.
In the artwork, Sir Brian Tuke is depicted with meticulous attention to detail that is characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style. The subject, dressed in a black cloak with a fur collar and a gold chain, is set against a muted background. His facial features are rendered with lifelike precision, capturing the contemplative and distinguished nature of the sitter. Tuke’s hands, one holding a pair of gloves and the other resting on a piece of paper, further emphasize his dignified status. The Latin inscription on the background implies a sense of nobility and wisdom. Hans Holbein the Younger’s mastery is evident in the subtle gradations of light and shadow, providing a remarkable sense of depth and realism to the painting.
