# Portrait of Thomas Cromwell [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [HOLBEIN, Hans the Younger]() - Date: 1501-1550 - Technique: Oak, 76 x 61 cm ## Commentary Though Cromwell \(c. 1485-1540\) came from a modest background, he rose at court so successfully that he became the king's secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. It was he who suggested to Henry VIII that the king make himself head of the English Church. As Vicar General, Cromwell put into effect the Dissolution of the Monasteries. However, in 1540, he fell from favour with Henry and was executed. The inscription on the paper lying on the table describes Cromwell as "Master of the Jewell House," an official position that he occupied for one year from April 12, 1532. The painting was executed probably by Holbein's workshop. ## Related artworks - [Adam and Eve]() - [Apollo and the Muses on Parnassus]() - [Charitas]() - [Charles Brandon]() - [Christ as the True Light]() - [Christina of Denmark, Ducchess of Milan \(detail\)]() - [Christina of Denmark, Ducchess of Milan]() - [Courtier of Henry VIII and his Wife]() - [Darmstadt Madonna \(detail\)]() - [Darmstadt Madonna \(detail\)]() - [Darmstadt Madonna \(detail\)]() - [Darmstadt Madonna \(detail\)]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()