'Thomas Cromwell. Earl of Essex'

Half-length portrait of Thomas Cromwell by Jacobus Houbraken after Hans Holbein. The sitter is depicted within a baroque cartouche. Cromwell negotiated Henry VIII's ill-fated marriage with Anne of Cleves, which eventual failure precipitated Cromwell's demise. The vignette below the cartouche shows the King's introduction to Anne by means of a flattering portrait.

Jacobus Houbraken was one of the most accomplished portrait engravers of the 18th century. This print was included in the 'Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain', his most famous engravings for English publication, done in collaboration with the antiquary and engraver George Vertue and published by Knapton between 1743 and 1752.

Object Details

ID: PAH6070
Type: Print
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Jacobus Houbraken, Jacobus; Knapton, John & Paul Holbein, Hans
Date made: 1739
People: Cromwell, Thomas
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Herschel Collection
Measurements: Sheet: 443 x 298 mm