Hans Holbein

Hans Holbein (the Younger) (1497/8-1543) was born in Augburg, Germany, receiving his first lessons from his father. At about seventeen, Holbein went to Switzerland, becoming a citizen in 1526; for some years before he had been a member of the Basel artists' guild, with many commissions for paintings, and for designs for glass and woodcuts. In 1523-24, Holbein had travelled in France and in 1526 went to England. For two years he worked for King Henry VIII, painting portraits of the Royal and other important families, before returning to Basel where he bought a home with the money earned. In 1532 religious upheaval on the Continent saw him move permanently to England, where he remained as Court painter for the rest of his life.