Portrait of a Man in Royal Livery

The Portrait of a Man in Royal Livery is a masterful oil painting created by Hans Holbein the Younger between 1532 and 1535. Executed with remarkable precision using oil and gold on parchment, the artwork is structurally laid down on a linden panel. This sophisticated technique allowed Holbein to achieve extraordinary detail, particularly in the rendering of texture, fabric, and jewelry. The formal portrait depicts an unidentified man, shown facing three-quarters to the viewer, whose expensive garments and richly embroidered doublet suggest a high social ranking.

The sitter wears the livery associated with the inner circle of King Henry VIII’s court, confirming his role within the powerful Tudor political and social sphere. Holbein the Younger was the principal court painter during this period, known for his ability to capture the exact likeness and inherent status of his subjects. The intentional use of gold leaf in the highlights of the man's attire underscores the extravagance and authority connected to his position.

Younger’s blending of large-scale panel work with the meticulous finish typical of miniature painting emphasizes the subject's intense, controlled gaze and refined features. This technique was instrumental in setting the standard for portraiture during the mid-16th century Renaissance in Northern Europe. As one of the finest surviving examples of Tudor-era portraits, this work resides within the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical significance and widespread study, high-resolution prints of this public domain artwork are regularly utilized by scholars globally.