When it comes to court portrait painters of Henry the Eighth, one name stands out - Hans Holbein the Younger. Holbein was a German artist who became the official painter of the Tudor court in England during the reign of Henry VIII. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects.

During his time at the Tudor court, Holbein painted many portraits of Henry VIII, as well as other members of the royal family and prominent figures of the time. His portraits of the king are some of the most iconic images of Henry VIII and have shaped our modern perception of the monarch.

One of Holbein's most famous portraits of Henry VIII is the Whitehall mural, which depicts the king standing with his legs apart and his hand on his hip. This image has become synonymous with Henry VIII and is often used to represent him in popular culture.

Aside from his portraits of Henry VIII, Holbein also painted a series of portraits known as the "Ambassadors," which features two men surrounded by various objects that allude to their interests and professions. This painting is a masterpiece of symbolism and is considered one of Holbein's greatest works.

Today, Holbein's portraits are housed in museums and galleries around the world, including the National Gallery in London and the Louvre in Paris. They continue to be studied and admired for their technical skill and emotional depth.

If you want to learn more about Hans Holbein the Younger and his work as the court portrait painter of Henry VIII, you can visit the National Portrait Gallery's website at www.npg.org.uk for more information. You can also explore the Tudor section of the British Library's website at www.bl.uk to discover more about the history and culture of the Tudor period.

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