The artwork titled “Sir William Butts” is a portrait created by Hans Holbein the Younger circa 1543 in Germany. This painting, executed using oil, panel, and tempera, is a representative work from the Northern Renaissance art movement. It measures 37 by 46.8 centimeters and is currently housed in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, also known as Fenway Court, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork features the distinguished Sir William Butts depicted in profile. He is adorned in dark, austere clothing typical of the period, complemented by a modest, yet refined, gold chain hanging across his chest. His attire is further simplified with a black cap, possibly denoting his social standing or profession. Holbein’s mastery is evident in the detailed rendering of Butts’ facial features, capturing not only his physical likeness but also conveying a sense of his dignified and contemplative character. The background of the portrait is muted, ensuring that the viewer’s focus remains on the subject. The artist’s attention to detail and use of light and shadow create a lifelike representation that is both intimate and imposing.
