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This elegant young woman is Christina of Denmark, the youngest daughter of King Christian of Denmark. In 1538, King Henry VIII of England was looking for a fourth wife, after the death of Jane Seymour the previous year. As Henry’s official court artist, Holbein was sent to Brussels to capture the 16-year-old Christina’s likeness.It's recorded that Holbein’s sitting with Christina only lasted from 1 to 4 p.m. on 12 March 1538. This is when he made a series of sketches to use as the basis for the painted portrait. The image apparently pleased Henry so much that he was reported to be ‘in better humour than he ever was, making musicians play on their instruments all day long'. Although their marriage negotiations failed, Henry kept Christina's portrait until his death in 1547.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan

Date

1538

Medium

Oil on oak

Measurements

H 179.1 x W 82.6 cm

Accession number

NG2475

Acquisition method

Presented by The Art Fund with the aid of an anonymous donation, 1909

Work type

Painting

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Hans Holbein the younger

c.1497–1543

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