Holbein’s first sojourn in England extended from 1526 to 1528, in which
year he returned to Basle. It must have been shortly before his
departure that he painted the _Portrait of Nicolas Kratzer, Astronomer
to King Henry VIII._ (No. 2713); it is an unquestionably authentic
work, although it has been so extensively repainted that little is now
left of the original, save the general disposition of the design and
the instruments placed on the table and hung on the wall, which are
executed with all the loving care that Holbein was wont to bestow upon
such accessories. Still, even in its present condition, the portrait
is a thoroughly convincing likeness of “a man who is brimful of wit,
jest, and humorous fancies”—as Kratzer is referred to by one of his
contemporaries. A sheet of paper on the left of the table appears to be
inscribed:—
_Imago ad vivam effigiem expressa
Nicolai Kratzeri monacensis qui bavarus erat
Quadragessimum annum tempore illo complebat.
1528._
[Illustration:
PLATE XXIV.—HANS HOLBEIN THE YOUNGER
(1497-1543)