Born in Augsbourg, the son of Hans Holbein The Elder, Hans Holbein The Younger was trained by his father and perhaps Hans Burgkmair. He went to Basle in 1515 where he worked for a middle-class merchant, executing portraits and decorating house fronts. In 1526 he travelled to London where he painted portraits for two years. He then returned to Basle for three years. He later settled permanently in London where his portraits acquired balance and distinguished refinement in addition to their already realist qualities. He worked for Henry VIII and the Court and was a rival of Italian portraitists, the Flemish painter, Metsys , and the French artist, Jean Clouet .
