The artwork, titled “Thomas More,” was created by Hans Holbein the Younger circa 1527 in Germany. This piece, executed in chalk on paper, belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. Displaying characteristics typical of a sketch and study genre, the artwork measures 29.9 by 39.8 centimeters.
The artwork presents a finely detailed chalk sketch of Thomas More. Demonstrating an adept hand in capturing the textures and subtle nuances of the subject’s face and attire, Holbein’s drawing portrays More with a solemn and contemplative demeanor. The sitter is adorned in period attire, notably a fur-lined cloak and a substantial hat, both rendered with meticulous lines and shading that underscore the artist’s masterful technique. The precision in the subtle shading around the facial features, the high cheekbones, and the intense gaze exemplify the early Renaissance emphasis on realism and humanism. Additionally, the name “Tho. Moor L’Chancelour” is inscribed in the upper left corner, identifying the dignified figure depicted.
