Hans Holbein the Younger
Hans Holbein was a German-Swiss painter and printmaker who worked in a Northern Renaissance style and is considered one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. The fantastic portrait we present today was probably painted during Holbein's first visit to England, 1526 to 1528. It may show Anne Lovell, the wife of Sir Francis Lovell, who was an Esquire of the Body to Henry VIII. The starling in the background and the pet squirrel on a chain may have been intended to allude to her name: the Lovell family showed squirrels on their coat of arms and owned a house at East Harling in Norfolk. It is conceivable that the portrait was once part of a pair of husband and wife.
One more thing about the squirrel—they were popular pets in England as early as the 14th century! :)
By the way, if you like animals in art, please check our Animals in Art 50 Postcards Set. :)
P.S. Do you know Hans Holbein's most famous painting, The Ambassadors? The painting is quite easy to remember, because of the peculiar shape occupying the bottom half of the composition. Here's all you need to know about it!