This volume is published to accompany the exhibition of the same name at the Mauritshuis in the Hague, 16 August - 16 November 2003. It covers the life and work of the 16th century artist who, already famous in his own lifetime, spent the last years as a court painter in the service of King Henry VIII. The catalogue describes all of the works of art on view at the exhibition as well as discussing in detail the history of the turbulent 16th century in which Holbein lived, the people he portrayed and the court of Henry VIII. The introductory essay by Stephanie Buck on Holbein's activities as a portraitist focuses on the role Erasmus played in Holbein's early career, and the later English period during which he portrayed both the royals and their circle as well as civilians.