This Grotesque ‘Likeness’ of King Henry VIII
We all know that Henry VIII was known for his bad habit of exterminating wives. Of course, he was the King of England, but based on this portrait, it’s a shock that he was able to have any brides at all. Universally known, Henry VIII’s portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger is perhaps the iconic image of monarchical power. It’s the typical portrait you see of Henry VIII, which has been dated to the 1530s. It depicts Henry in an almost frontal pose similar to one used by Holbein in various other portraits. The head, with its distant gaze, has an almost architectural solidity. The picture of kingly regality. An image that is almost like propaganda to any viewer. That is not what the above portrait aims to represent.
Cornelis Massys’s unflattering portrait represents a very different Henry VIII. The disfigured-looking Henry VIII looks rather villain-like and grotesque. It was later engraved by Peter Isselburg, however, there were no consequences from the monarch. Because he never actually saw it. The infamous King met his end the year before it was completed. We know that towards the middle and end of his life, Henry VIII had suffered a leg injury. The injury had its beginnings during his first jousting accident in 1527, however, his physical fate was sealed when he suffered a more serious injury in 1536 during another jousting incident. Henry suffered a severe concussion and burst a varicose ulcer on his left leg. His injuries and lifestyle catapulted him into his abysmal reputation. These ulcers never truly healed and Henry had constant, severe infections as a result.