Portrait Miniature of Margaret Roper by Hans Holbein the Younger
This exquisite Portrait Miniature of Margaret Roper, painted by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1535, is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It captures the likeness of a remarkable woman, known for her sharp intellect in an era when female education was rare.
Look closely at her features: her thoughtful gaze, the elegant locket, and the book she holds. These details hint at her inner world and high social standing. The inscription 'A AETATIS XXX' subtly informs us she was 30 years old when this portrait was made.
Margaret Roper was the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More, a prominent statesman. Holbein, a master of the Northern Renaissance, painted this during his second visit to London. This small gouache work showcases his meticulous skill in capturing individual character on an intimate scale.
Her intelligence and quiet strength shine through, a testament to her enduring legacy. What do you think her book was about?
Details
Transcript
This is Margaret Roper, painted in 1535. She was the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More. She wears a locket, perhaps a personal token. The inscription says 'A AETATIS XXX', aged 30. She was famed for her intellect, unusual for a woman then. Holbein the Younger captured her quiet strength in this miniature.