Hans Holbein the Younger: Portrait of Jane Seymour (1536)

(Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria)

This magnificent portrait is of Jane Seymour (1508-1537), the third wife of King Henry VIII of England (she succeeded Anne Boleyn as queen consort). The marriage between Jane en Henry lasted for about a year when Jane of postnatal complications after of her only child, the future king Edward VI of England. She was the only wife of Henry VII who was given a queen's funeral and is buried beside him in Windsor Castle. The german artist Hans Holbein lived in London since 1532 and he became exclusive court portrait painter and fashion designer to King Henry VIII of England. The portrait also gives a good example of the clothing of the Tudor court with a gable hood with pinned up lappet and slashed sleeves. Painting from 1536.