Jane Small

The portrait of Jane Small (formerly known as Mrs Robert Pemberton) is by Hans Holbein (1497-1543), who was the first artist to perfect painting in this way. Holbein was already an artists of international stature when in 1532, forced by religious unrest abroad and a lack of patrons, he came to England from Switzerland. her he found success and recognition, becoming court painter to Henry VIII in 1535. He held this position until his death. It was during this time in England that Holbein was taught to paint 'in miniature', the term used at that time to describe not the size of the painting, but the nature of the pigments used. This exquisite technique of painting in watercolour on vellum, the fine parchment prduced from the skin of a calf, originated in illuminated manuscripts.

Jane Small was the wife of a prosperous cloth worker in the City of London. For Holbein to paint a woman outside the elite confines of royal court was very unusual. She is depicted as a simply dressed young woman who, according to the Latin inscription, is aged 23. She holds a leaf and at her neck is a red carnation which is possibly a reference to a betrothal. Despite her modest rank Jane Small is still a commanding figure, and serves a striking example of Holbein's ability to characterise his sitters.

Bibliography

*cite book|author=Jackson, Anna (ed.)|title= V&A: A Hundred Highlights|publisher=V&A Publications |year=2001 ISBN 1851773657