On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01688
- Author
- Rubens, Pedro Pablo
- Title
- Sir Thomas More
- Chronology
- 1625-1630
- Technique
- Óleo
- Support
- Tabla
- Measures
- 105,6 cm x 73,1 cm
- School
- Flamenca
- Theme
- Retrato
- On display
- No
- Procedence
- Colección Real (Colección Isabel Farnesio, Palacio de La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia, nº 974; La Granja, cuarto del Rey-piezas que ocupa la señora infanta, 1766, nº 974; Palacio de Aranjuez, Madrid, 1794, nº 994)
This is a free copy of Hans Holbein's portrait of the Thomas More, the English humanist and statesman. He wears a cape with a fur collar and a magistrate's cap. In his hands, he holds a paper alluding to his condition as an intellectual.
Holbein was a favorite of Rubens, who copied his works on numerous occasions, especially at the beginning of his career. The present portrait was made in the sixteen twenties and reflects his great interest in the northern esthetic, as well as his approach to the world of humanist philosophy.
It is first listed in 1746 in Isabel Farnesio's collection at the La Granja Palace.













