Trendspotter: Tudor portrait with a fascinating backstory

Coming up for auction on 3^rd December here at Cheffins is this fascinating portrait, a work which is believed to depict Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk (c.1484–1545), one of the most interesting members of the court of Henry VIII. Having been held by the same family since the 19^th century, this incredible work is a must-see for Tudor history enthusiasts.

Brandon was one of the most important (and colourful!) figures of the Tudor period. Despite coming from relatively modest beginnings, his father was Henry VII’s standard bearer, killed at Bosworth, Charles grew up at court and became incredibly close to the young Henry. In fact, although he was a few years older, he more or less became Henry VIII’s childhood role model and lifelong friend. He was one of the very few people who managed to stay in Henry’s favour from start to finish… and keep his head in the process.

One of the most dramatic episodes of his life was his secret marriage to Henry’s sister, Mary Tudor. She’d sadly been married off to the elderly King Louis XII of France (who didn’t last long…), and when Brandon was sent to fetch her home, the pair threw caution to the wind and married in Paris - without the King’s permission, and technically committing treason. Amazingly, with some diplomatic smoothing, Henry forgave them both.

Brandon rose to become Duke of Suffolk before he even turned thirty, one of only three dukes in the kingdom, and remained central to Henry’s political world. Henry trusted him with delicate matters, relied on him when the succession became complicated, and even paid for Brandon’s grand funeral at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. After Brandon’s death, his descendants would play their own dramatic roles in the Tudor story, including his granddaughter, Lady Jane Grey.

This portrait is a unique likeness of Charles Brandon, with no known versions, copies, or imitations in existence. It appears to show Brandon near the end of his life, around 1540. His features match closely with his portraits in the National Portrait Gallery, featuring his almond-shaped eyes and a distinctive beard. He wears the Collar of the Garter over a fur-edged cloak, and a black cap with a gold diamond badge, giving him the same authoritative air that Holbein captured so brilliantly in Henry VIII.

The painting is oil on panel, 45.5 x 36.5cm, by a Follower of Hans Holbein the Younger. For collectors this compelling portrait is a rare opportunity and comes with a full dendrochronology report.  Estimate £10,000 - £20,000.

To view the portrait in the catalogue for The Fine Sale, please click here