Hans Holbein the Younger
Hans Holbein the Younger, court painter to Henry VIII, would have encountered the country nobleman Simon George of Cornwall in London. The portrait was required for purposes of courtship, as is indicated by the carnation and the clasp on the beret. The latter depicts Leda’s union with Jupiter in the shape of a swan, thus revealing the portrait subject’s erotic intentions. Simon George not only sports a sumptuous costume tailored in the latest fashion; he also chose one of the most modern picture forms of the time: the profile likeness (derived from antique coins) in a tondo.
He looks like he would love to wink at us, wouldn't he?
We present today's work thanks to the Städel Museum. :)
P.S. Do you know which of Hans Holbein's paintings is the most famous one? It contains one very bizarre and enigmatic element ... here's the answer!