A lavish publication to accompany the Royal Collection exhibition
HANS HOLBEIN THE YOUNGER (1497/8-1543)
Frances, Countess of Surrey (1517-1577)
c.1532-3Black and coloured chalks with white heightening and touches of black ink on pink prepared paper | 31.0 x 21.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912214
A portrait drawing of Frances, Countess of Surrey (1517-1577), wife of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and daughter of John, 15th Earl of Oxford. A half-length portrait facing to the front. She wears a yellow headdress, pendant and girdle. Her dress has been inscribed by the artist: rosa felbet (pink velvet), flebet (velvet), schwarz (black) and (?) rot (red). Inscribed in an eighteenth-century hand at upper left: The Lady Surry.
Frances de Vere married Henry Howard in 1532, and it is possible that these this drawing along with a companion piece of her husband (RCIN 912215) were made at that time, in preparation for painted portraits. This drawing includes notes in Holbein's hand to record the colours and materials worn by the Countess.
Frances de Vere married Henry Howard in 1532, and it is possible that these this drawing along with a companion piece of her husband (RCIN 912215) were made at that time, in preparation for painted portraits. This drawing includes notes in Holbein's hand to record the colours and materials worn by the Countess.
watermark: close to Briquet 1457, watermark cut [same as 12256,12221,12260,12242]
