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Sir William Butts (1485–1545) was a physician and confidant of Henry VIII. In 1544 he was awarded a knighthood by Henry, and after the King’s death he continued serving the Royal Family. Butts was mentioned by Shakespeare in the play 'Henry VIII', and appears in Holbein’s picture of the delivery of the charter, 'Henry VIII with the Barber-Surgeons' which can be seen in the Royal College of Surgeons. Butts was educated at Cambridge University. He was later mistakenly given credit for being one of the founders of the Royal College of Physicians of London, although he did not actually join the college until 1529. He was held in very high esteem by his contemporaries. The portrait is by the English painter George Richmond (1809–1896). It is a copy of the original by the German artist Hans Holbein (c.
Royal College of Physicians, London
London
Title
Sir William Butts (1485–1545)
Date
c.1870–1880
Medium
oil on oak panel
Measurements
H 47 x W 38.1 cm
Accession number
X225
Acquisition method
gift from the artist, 1880
Work type
Painting