King & Collector: Henry VIII and the Art of Kingship

No English king is as well-known to us as Henry VIII: famousfor six marriages; for dissolving the monasteries; and for the ruthless destruction of those who stood in his way. But Henry was also an ardent patron of the arts whosetapestries and paintings, purchased in pursuit of glory and magnificence,adorned his lavish court and began the Royal Collection.

In contrast to laterroyal collectors, this king was more interested in storytelling than art forits own sake, and all his commissions relate to one central tale: theglorification of Henry and his realm. His life can be seen through his artcollection and the works tell us much about both his kingship and hisinsecurities. King and Collectortells a unique story of art, power and propaganda in Tudor England.