Anonymous portrait miniature in a turned ivory box of Henry VIII, after Holbein. The box is possibly ca. 16th century, and there is a separate turned ivory lid (P.22A-1975). The miniature probably dates from the first quarter of the 18th century.

Circular portrait miniature depicting Henry VIII in a turned ivory box with separate turned ivory lid (P.22A-1975)

Bequeathed by Mrs Doris Hershorn

Similar late 16th and early 17th century copies of royal portraits in miniature by Nicholas Hilliard are in the Royal Collection. This example probably dates from the early 18th century, and since 1739 has traditionally been paired with a miniature of Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein (P.153-1910). From about 1739 this miniature and P.153-1910 belonged to the Barretts of Lee Priory: first to Thomas Barrett (1698-1757). Both miniatures descended together to Miss Charlotte [Eleanor] Davies. The miniature of Henry VIII was stolen from Miss Davies' house in Cheyne Walk in 1901, and not recovered. It was then in the collection of J Pierpont Morgan, and sold at his sale 24 June 1935, lot 126 (illustrated).

Anonymous, after Holbein. Probably a version of the circular miniature copies of the Holbein Whitehall fresco of Henry VIII.

P.22-1975