Through these contemporary portraits of Edward VI, we can see the growth of a king. Since portraiture had become popular in England in the mid-15th century, there had not been a king who had been born into the role of heir, and as such little portraiture of their early lives exist.
Breaking that mould, Edward’s short life was well-documented, and we can see here how he grew and matured into a fine young man. Who knows what he could have achieved given time?
Sketch by Hans Holbein, c.1538
Portrait by Hans Holbein, c.1538. Probably from the sketch in the last image
Edward with a monkey, by Hans Holbein c. 1541-42
Sketch by Hans Holbein, c.1542
Portrait by the workshop of Hans Holbein, c.1542, probably from the sketch in the last image
Portrait after Hans Holbein, c.1542
The Family of Henry VIII by an unknown artist, c.1545
Portrait miniature by an unknown artist, c. 1543-46
Portrait by William Scrots, c.1546
Portrait by William Scrots, with anamorphosis, c.1546
Portrait by workshop associated with ‘Master John,’ c.1547
Engraving of Edward VI, c.1547.
Portrait by an unknown artist,c.1547-49
Woodcut of Edward, c.1550. “The print formed part of an album of British royal portrait prints assembled by Cassiano and his younger brother Carlo Antonio dal Pozzo in Rome”
