Hans Holbein Thomas More Family Portrait - Tudor Renaissance Art

A Renaissance Family Portrait of Historical Significance

This remarkable study in the school of Hans Holbein the Younger depicts the family of Sir Thomas More (1478-1535), one of Tudor England's most brilliant minds and tragic figures. As Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII, humanist scholar, and Catholic martyr, More embodied the Renaissance ideal of learning and virtue—making his family portrait a document of profound historical importance.

Sir Thomas More: Renaissance Humanist and Martyr

Thomas More was one of Europe's leading intellectuals, author of Utopia, friend of Erasmus, and a devoted family man who ensured his daughters received the same classical education as his son—revolutionary for the 16th century. His refusal to accept Henry VIII's break with Rome led to his execution in 1535, making him a Catholic martyr and saint.

Holbein and the More Family

• Historical Connection: Hans Holbein the Younger actually painted the More family around 1527, creating one of the first domestic group portraits in Northern European art
• Humanist Values: The portrait celebrated learning, family bonds, and intellectual achievement—core Renaissance humanist ideals
• Women's Education: More's educated daughters, especially Margaret More Roper, were celebrated throughout Europe for their scholarship
• Tragic Context: Created before More's fall from favor, the portrait preserves a moment of family harmony before tragedy struck

Renaissance Family Portraiture

Group family portraits were rare and expensive commissions that documented lineage, celebrated family unity, and displayed wealth and cultural sophistication. The More family portrait became especially poignant after Thomas More's execution, serving as a memorial to a family torn apart by religious and political conflict.

Frame with Opposite Wall

Preserve this important historical portrait with museum-quality framing from Opposite Wall. Professional frames protect and enhance Tudor Renaissance art, creating a distinguished display worthy of this significant family's legacy.

Honor history: Add Opposite Wall framing at checkout to showcase this Renaissance masterpiece with the dignity it deserves.