A masterpiece from the Royal Collection opens at Ferens Art Gallery tomorrow (Saturday 23 March), but here’s a sneak peek for those that can’t wait.
The portrait of Sir Thomas More, c.1526-7, by Hans Holbein the Younger will be displayed at the Hull art gallery until Sunday 23 June.
It follows masterpieces by Rembrandt and Sir Anthony van Dyck that have been loaned to the gallery as part of a partnership between Ferens and the Royal Collection.
Watch exhibitions assistant Stephanie Jones discuss why it’s exciting to have the piece on display in Hull, and how it was made –
Hans Holbein was born in Augsburg, Germany, trained in Basel, Switzerland and spent a total of thirteen years in England, in 1526-8 and 1532-43.
The major work of Holbein’s first period in England was a portrait of the family of Sir Thomas More. In Holbein’s latter period he became the most important artist at the court of Henry VIII, during which time Henry VIII visited Hull twice.
Holbein’s sketch gives a fascinating insight into the practices that underpinned his work.
A focused display of preparatory studies and final artworks from the Ferens Art Gallery’s permanent collection will be highlighted alongside Holbein’s masterpiece.
Holbein’s Sir Thomas More portrait marks the third of five exceptional works of art from the Royal Collection to go on display at the Ferens Art Gallery between 2017 and 2021, as part of Masterpieces in Focus from the Royal Collection.
Hans Holbein was born in Augsburg, Germany.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Limited, said: “It is fantastic that the Gallery continues its ambitious exhibitions programme in partnership with the Royal Collection Trust.
“This unique exhibition is a great opportunity to highlight areas of our museum collection alongside the Holbein the Younger masterpiece. It is fantastic that visitors will have the opportunity to see these works together in Hull for the very first time.”
This free exhibition will run from 23 March – 23 June in Gallery 3.
The Gallery is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm, and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
