Sir Richard Southwell, Copy After Hans Holbein The Younger, 1886

The painting titled "Sir Richard Southwell, Copy After Hans Holbein The Younger" was completed by Helene Schjerfbeck in 1886. This work is a faithful reproduction of a portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, a prominent 16th-century German artist known for his detailed and expressive portraits, particularly those depicting courtiers of Henry VIII.The subject of the painting, Sir Richard Southwell, has been depicted with a notably contemplative expression and direct gaze, elements that suggest a mixture of authority and introspection. He is wearing clothing typical of the Tudor era—dark, richly colored garments with fur trim and fine detailing, indicative of his status and the period's fashion.Schjerfbeck has successfully emulated Holbein’s style, focusing on fine details such as the texture of the fur, the fabric of Sir Richard’s clothes, and the adornments on his hat. The lifelike representation of his face, especially the rendering of his skin tones and the reflective gaze, provides a strong psychological depth to the character.On the background, inscriptions provide additional context to the portrait, likely indicating the date and the age of Southwell at the time of the original painting.