Lady Lee (Margaret Wyatt, born about 1509) by Hans Holbein the Younger is a significant example of English Renaissance court portraiture, painted between 1540 and 1543. Executed in oil and gold on oak panel, this work captures Margaret Wyatt, the sister of the prominent Tudor poet Sir Thomas Wyatt, during the final years of Holbein's tenure as court painter to Henry VIII. Holbein specialized in formal portraits of important aristocratic women, rendering them with a stark objectivity that defined his unique contribution to Northern European art.
The panel showcases the Younger's characteristic precision in depicting rich textures and complex ornamentation. The sitter is positioned against a flat, neutral background, which emphasizes the minute detail of her costly attire, particularly the application of gold in her jewelry and embroidered garments, signifying her wealth and status. The sophisticated rendering of the facial features, conveying a sense of reserved gravity, is indicative of Holbein's highly developed psychological approach to portraiture.
Created in the final phase of the artist's career, this piece is recognized for its historical accuracy and artistic excellence. The painting resides today in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the lasting cultural significance of Holbein’s work, and its frequent study in art history, the image is widely reproduced. High-quality prints derived from the museum’s collection are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to this pivotal representation of Tudor-era women.
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