Thesis: The Portrait Drawings of Hans Holbein the Younger: An Investigation into their Function Explored through his Choice and Use of Materials and Techniques

This project investigates the materials and techniques of 16th-century artist Hans Holbein the Younger, with particular reference to his portrait drawings. Reinstating the drawings as the primary source material for investigation, the aim of this research is to demonstrate the link between the materials and techniques chosen by Holbein and the function or end-use of the drawings, an aspect not previously investigated by Holbein scholars. Although 100 Holbein portrait drawings survive, my focus has been the 18 that relate to currently attributed oil and miniature paintings. By concentrating the research in this manner, it is possible to establish how Holbein constructed and used the drawings in the preparation of the finished oil painting or miniature. Furthermore, it explains how his choice and use of materials and techniques can help to establish the original context and function of such a drawing.

Having developed an effective method of studying Holbein’s drawings, this project provides a more objective view of the materials and techniques used by Holbein. This not only increases our understanding of his drawing processes, but also offers a more accessible tool for visual analysis and attribution. This method of investigation can be applied in a wider context of 16th-century artistic production. The results inform art historical and conservation research. Moreover, it can also be used as a potential model for how to effectively ‘read’ a drawing in order to better understand its function and method of production.