Style Guide: Renaissance - People

The Renaissance style was inspired by the art and architecture of ancient Rome. It originated in Italy in the 14th century and gradually spread across the whole of Europe. The new styles of decoration came to England in the 16th century. Engraved books of Renaissance motifs provided an important source for English designers. Foreign artists and artisans working in London were also influential in introducing the style.

  • Henry VIII



    Oil painting of Henry VIII
    Hans Holbein
    16th century
    Oil on panel
    Museum no. 620-1882

  • Henry VIII



    Writing box
    Unknown maker
    About 1525
    Walnut and oak, lined with painted and gilded leather and silk velvet; later shagreen (possibly sharkskin) outer covering
    Museum no. W.29:1 to 9-1932

    This box was almost certainly made in the court workshops of Henry VIII, who reigned from 1509 to 1547. It is lined with leather, which is painted with the heraldic badges of Henry and his first queen, Katherine of Aragon (1485-1536), and the royal coat of arms.

  • Sebastiano Serlio



    Portrait of Sebastiano Serlio
    Print
    Vincenzo Raggio
    Museum no. S.671-2009

  • Jan Vredeman de Vries



    Print
    Jan Vredeman de Vries
    About 1573
    Engraving on paper
    Museum no. E.2033-1899

  • Jan Vredeman de Vries



    Door
    Jan Vredeman de Vries
    1580
    Oak, inlaid with marquetry of various woods
    Museum no. 4239-1856

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