Book Review: The Queen's Painter, by Wendy Holden

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When the brilliant young Holbein arrives at the Tudor court, Anne Boleyn is among his first patrons. As she rises to the top, Hans rises with her. Courtiers clamour for his portraits of life-like accuracy; pictures which tell the truth about their subjects.

Readers could be forgiven for thinking there is nothing much left to write about the sad end of Anne Boleyn – then along comes a fresh perspective to make them think again.  Wendy Holden’s new novel, The Queen’s Painter, tells her story through the perceptive eyes of an unexpectedly relatable Hans Holbein the Younger.

Ann Boleyn’s presence haunts the narrative, whispering in Holbein’s ear and recurring flashbacks. 

I particularly liked the way the truth about the mysterious woman Jennet is revealed – a masterclass in holding back character details while offering subtle clues for best effect. 

Wendy Holden surprises the reader by having her characters use occasional modern language. This helps bring the key players to life, such as her version of a devious Thomas Cromwell, a worldly-wise Thomas Wyatt, and a king who reminds Hans Holbein of ‘a decaying whale, huge, stinking and stranded, looking at Hans with nasty little blue eyes.’  

I also enjoyed the well-researched details of Holbein’s paintings and techniques. I doubt I will ever look at one in quite the same way again.

2026 marks the 500th anniversary of Holbein's arrival in England, so this is the perfect time to become better acquainted with the artist. Highly recommended.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Wendy Holden's books have sold over 3m copies in 14 languages worldwide. Born in Yorkshire, Wendy read English Literature at Girton College, Cambridge and spent fourteen years as a journalist on the Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday, Harpers & Queen and Tatler before becoming a novelist.  Her experience on glossy magazines was the inspiration for her debut, the smash-hit comedy Simply Divine. Wendy then pivoted to historical fiction with the bestselling Windsor Trilogy. The Governess was about Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, the young Scottish teacher who brought fun and normality to the childhood of Elizabeth II. The Duchess explored the incredible rise of Wallis Simpson whilst The Princess traced the young Diana Spencer’s extraordinary path to the altar.  Find out more at Wendy's website 

https://www.wendyholden.net/about_me.php