The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England

A new book explores the artistic legacy of the Tudor dynasty in Renaissance England, revealing how the monarchs used art to legitimize and glorify their rule. The book features incisive scholarship and sumptuous new photography, showcasing the cosmopolitan nature of Tudor courts and the development of a distinct English aesthetic. The exhibition schedule includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

A captivating exploration into the artistic legacy of the Tudor dynasty, shedding light on its profound influence on Renaissance England and beyond. Spanning from 1485 to 1603, the five Tudor monarchs left an indelible mark on England, employing the visual arts to both legitimize and celebrate their tumultuous rule. From the bloody ascent of Henry VII to the breach with the Roman Catholic Church and the reign of the "virgin queen" Elizabeth I, this book delves into the politics and personalities of the Tudors, examining how they strategically employed art in their diplomacy both domestically and internationally.

The Tudor courts were a melting pot of cultural diversity, drawing artists and artisans from across Europe. Notable figures such as Hans Holbein the Younger, Jean Clouet, and Benedetto da Rovezzano graced these courts with their talents. At the same time, the Tudors fostered local talent, nurturing artists like Isaac Oliver and Nicholas Hilliard, contributing to the development of a distinct English aesthetic that defines the dynasty's visual legacy.

This captivating book unveils the untold history of a family that has captivated the public imagination for centuries. Through a stunning array of exquisite paintings, lush textiles, gleaming metalwork, and countless luxury objects that adorned their spectacular courts, it brings to life the extravagant and politically precarious world of the Tudors. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press, the exhibition schedule for this remarkable publication includes stops at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Dimension: 279 x 241 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588396921