This miniature was first recorded in 1740 in George Vertue’s Notebooks as ‘another Curious Limning. Sd. to [be] by H. Holbens. – the picture of Henry Guldeford. (when young.) Comptrolor – to K. Hen.’. The context of Vertue’s statement suggests that the miniature was then in the collection of Dr Richard Mead, and this is borne out by the survival of its original gilt locket, which is similar to those preserved with other miniatures from the collection of Dr Mead. The association by Vertue of this richly dressed young courtier with his four-square pose with the powerful figure of Sir Henry Guildford (1489–1532), Comptroller of the Royal Household to Henry VIII, was incorrect, but unsurprising. Guildford is shown at the age of 38 in a portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger dated 1527 in the Royal Collection (RCIN 400046) and cannot therefore be the much younger man represented in this near-contemporary miniature, despite the superficial resemblance between the two figures, and the similar, assertive pose deployed in both images.

The locket in which the miniature was originally framed bears an inscription identifying the sitter as Guildford and the artist as Hans Holbein the Younger, and when Frederick, Prince of Wales acquired this work he doubtless believed that he was adding to his collection of miniatures a rare example by Hans Holbein. Examination of the technique used suggests that the miniature may be a contemporary work of c. 1530–5, although by a less skilful hand than Holbein’s. The art of miniature painting was still in its infancy during the first quarter of the sixteenth century, and, although certain other artists are recorded as practitioners, little is known of their work.

Test adapted from The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760, London, 2014.