Hans Holbein Court Painter Of The Reformation: Article Analysis

Summary of Holbein: Court Painter of the Reformation Hans Holbein was a prime artist during the Northern Renaissance. Although he was born in Augsburg, Germany, it was in England where he achieved high status, producing works for Henry VIII and other patrons. During his life, Holbein established himself as the one of the leading German artists of the Reformation. However, the article suggests that the artist didn’t necessarily agree with Protestantism. Hans Holbein’s artistic career began in 1514 when he moved from Germany to Basle, Switzerland. Basle was an influential city and was one of Europe’s top book producers, providing the young artist with many opportunities including a connection to humanist Erasmus. Soon, he became successful in selling woodcuts, engravings, and illustrations for bibles. By 1526, religious events from the Reformation disrupted Holbein’s career. After evangelical preachers criticized religious images for becoming the main focus instead of devotion, art focusing on the topic was being destroyed. At the advice of Erasmus, Holbein moved to England. and Thomas More, a friend of Erasmus, befriended him and became his patron. More then introduced Hans Holbein to King Henry VIII which helped the artist receive a salaried position as a court painter. …show more content…
Its introduction stated the author Pettigree showed “the ironies of [Holbein’s] reputation as a great Protestant painter,” but there was little evidence that supported the actual claim. The evidence provided, like that fact that Hans Holbein never became an English citizen, wasn’t substantial to convince an audience. Additionally, the article failed to mention information that could’ve strengthened the article. There was no information on Erasmus and Thomas More, two key figures in Hans Holbein’s life who opposed Protestantism. Despite its major flaws, it was interesting to read more about Renaissance art and familiar people discussed in