This eminent painter was born at Utrecht, in 1519. In 1552, he
accompanied the Cardinal Granville to Spain, who recommended him to the
patronage of the Emperor Charles V., whose portrait he painted, and that
of Prince Philip, which gave so much satisfaction to the monarch, that
he sent him to Portugal, to paint the portraits of King John III.,
Catherine of Austria his Queen, and sister to Charles, and that of their
daughter, the Princess Donna Maria, then contracted to Philip; he also
painted the portrait of Donna Catalina, Charles' younger sister; all of
which gave entire satisfaction, and the artist was munificently
rewarded, and the honor of knighthood conferred on him. The Emperor next
despatched More to England to take the portrait of the princess Mary
previous to her marriage with Philip of Spain. On this occasion, he is
said to have employed all the flattering aids of his art, and so
captivated the courtiers of Spain, with the charms of Mary's person,
that he was employed by Cardinal Granville and several of the grandees
to make copies of it for them. He accompanied Philip to England, where
he remained till the death of Queen Mary, who highly honored him,
presented him a gold chain, and allowed him a pension of £100 a year.
The Emperor Charles V. having abdicated in favor of his son Philip II.,
the latter returned to Spain, and made More his court-painter, where his
talents procured him great respect and abundant employment.