Sir Thomas More Portrait Manner of Hans Holbein Tudor Oil Portrait
Sir Thomas More Portrait Manner of Hans Holbein Early 20th Century Tudor Oil Painting
Large Historical Oil on Canvas Depicting the Tudor Statesman in the Celebrated Portrait Tradition Associated with Hans Holbein the Younger
Highlights
• Historical portrait of Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)
• Early 20th century
• Oil on canvas
• Manner of Hans Holbein the Younger
• Previously catalogued by Cheffins Fine Art
• Inspired by the established Holbein portrait type
• Richly coloured Tudor costume
• Prominent fur-trimmed robes
• Gold Collar of Esses and Tudor rose pendant
• Unsigned
• Canvas approximately 79 cm high x 64.5 cm wide
• Framed 92.8 cm high x 79 cm wide x 2.5 cm deep
• Later decorative gilt moulded frame
• Strong decorative scale and historical character
• Supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution
Introduction
A substantial early 20th-century oil portrait of Sir Thomas More (1478-1535), presenting one of Tudor England's most important statesmen through the enduring visual tradition associated with Hans Holbein the Younger.
More is depicted against a restrained dark background wearing a dark cap, sumptuous red clothing and broad fur trim. The elaborate gold Collar of Esses crossing his chest and the Tudor rose pendant form important elements of the composition.
The portrait has immediate historical presence, while its strong colour, substantial scale and gilt presentation make it particularly effective as a decorative work of art.
The painting was previously catalogued by Cheffins Fine Art as Manner of Hans Holbein (Early 20th Century). That attribution is retained by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.
Catalogue Details
Artist / Attribution: Manner of Hans Holbein the Younger
Previous Catalogue Attribution: Manner of Hans Holbein (Early 20th Century)
Subject: Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)
Date: Early 20th century
Medium: Oil on canvas
Genre: Historical Portrait
Signature: Unsigned
Canvas Dimensions: Approximately 79 cm high x 64.5 cm wide
Framed Dimensions: 92.8 cm high x 79 cm wide x 2.5 cm deep
Frame: Later decorative gilt moulded frame
Previous Sale: Cheffins Fine Art, The Interiors Sale, 16 January 2025, Lot 434
Catalogue Note
The portrait is dominated by the contrast between More's richly coloured clothing and the dark surrounding background.
Deep red fabric provides warmth and visual weight, while pale fur introduces a softer textural element. The gold chain across the sitter's chest adds further colour and intricate detail.
More's face forms the psychological centre of the composition.
Rather than attempting to create an entirely new image of its subject, the painter works consciously within a historic portrait tradition, preserving the costume, pose and iconographic details that made the Holbein-associated image of More immediately recognisable.
The result functions both as a historical portrait and an impressive decorative painting.
At 92.8 cm high in its frame, its proportions make it particularly suited to a library, study, entrance hall, drawing room or traditional country-house interior.
Sir Thomas More 1478-1535
Thomas More was a lawyer, scholar, writer, Renaissance humanist and statesman whose career placed him at the centre of Tudor political life.
He became Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII and was also a significant figure within the intellectual culture of Renaissance Europe.
His best-known literary work, Utopia, was first published in 1516.
More's eventual conflict with Henry VIII resulted in his execution in 1535.
The combination of his political career, literary achievements and subsequent historical reputation has made More one of the most recognisable individuals of the Tudor period.
Hans Holbein the Younger and Sir Thomas More
Hans Holbein the Younger produced his celebrated portrait of More in 1527.
Holbein's image became central to the later visual identity of the statesman and provided a model that continued to influence subsequent representations.
The present work dates from the early 20th century and is therefore separated by several centuries from Holbein and More.
Its art-historical context lies instead in its relationship to this established portrait tradition.
The terminology Manner of Hans Holbein follows the previous Cheffins catalogue attribution and is deliberately retained as a conservative art-market description.
The painting is not represented as an original work by Hans Holbein the Younger.
Tudor Iconography
The sitter's elaborate gold Collar of Esses is among the composition's most important historical details.
Such collars were associated with royal service and status, while the Tudor rose pendant provides an explicit dynastic emblem.
The rich clothing, fur, gold chain and dark cap together establish an unmistakably Tudor visual identity.
These elements also contribute greatly to the decorative quality of the painting, particularly when viewed within its later gilt frame.
Provenance
Cheffins Fine Art, The Interiors Sale, 16 January 2025, Lot 434.
Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.
Dimensions
Canvas:
Approximately 79 cm high x 64.5 cm wide
Approximately 31.10 inches high x 25.39 inches wide
Framed:
92.8 cm high x 79 cm wide x 2.5 cm deep
Approximately 36.54 inches high x 31.10 inches wide x 0.98 inches deep
Condition Report
Historic condition consistent with age.
The painted surface displays extensive age-related craquelure.
Visible canvas weave, scattered abrasions, localised paint loss and variations in surface sheen associated with aged varnish are also present.
There may be evidence of historic restoration.
There is a faint indistinct mark beside the red sleeve. This has not been treated as an artist's signature and the work remains catalogued as unsigned.
The later gilt moulded frame displays general age-related wear.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available.
The painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic oil-on-canvas support and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.
Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution
The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.
Attribution and Research
The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.
These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.
Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.
Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.
