The Tudor Court of Henry VIII is one of the most dramatic periods of English history. And because of the stunning paintings of Hans Holbein the Younger, we can have an ever-more intimate insight. Holbein’s role within the English Tudor court was instrumental. Not only did he throw England’s lacklustre art scene into international prominence by creating a completely modern style of portraiture, but today he provides us with the key to understanding the priorities of one of the most complex monarchs of all British history: the large, terrifying and fickle presence of Henry VIII.