Open full image Pin

Nonsuch Palace from the South

Joris Hoefnagel

1568

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Northern Renaissance Renaissance Renaissance Landscape

Dominant colour

Nonsuch Palace from the South is a 1568 watercolor by Joris Hoefnagel, a Northern Renaissance work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Joris Hoefnagel
When & what style?: 1568 · Northern Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This watercolour shows Nonsuch Palace from the south. It was a big deal in its time, built by Henry VIII. The palace had a mix of English, French, and Italian styles, which was unique for its time, and it was meant to show the power of the Tudor Dynasty. You can learn more about the artist who painted this, Hoefnagel, Joris.

The story of this work

Overview

Nonsuch Palace from the South is a 1568 watercolour by Joris Hoefnagel depicting Henry VIII’s Renaissance hunting lodge, designed to symbolize Tudor power and architectural ambition. The palace, begun in 1538 on St. George’s Day, incorporated English, French, and Italian styles, featuring a square gatehouse leading to an Inner Court adorned with stucco reliefs of Hercules, Roman emperors, and classical deities, interspersed with portraits of Henry and Edward VI. The work of Italian sculptor Nicholas Bellin of Modena, the palace’s elaborate decorations were executed in part by craftsmen from…

Read the full account in the museum source.