Portrait of prince edward, later king edward vi of england. Oil on panel, 23 1/4 x 17 1/2 in (59 × 44. 5 cm), the berger collection, denver art museum. This picture is an early, high-quality copy of hans holbein the younger's portrait of prince edward, the future edward vi of england. According to john rowlands, it has been suggested that this version was the one etched by wenceslas hollar in 1650 from the collection of the earl of arundel, though this is not certain. This version has a blue background, whereas the formerly smalt blue background of the original has turned brown with time. Holbein's original portrait of prince edward is very probably the one given to henry viii as a new year's gift on 1 january 1539, recorded as being "by hanse holbyne a table of the pictour of the pnce [prince's] grace". In return, holbein received a silver-gilt covered cup made by cornelis heyss. It has been objected that this might not be the same picture, because the prince looks older than his fifteen months; but most commentators think this unlikely. The following text is inscribed across the bottom:
parvvle patrissa, patriæ virtvtis et hæres / esto, nihil maivs maximvs orbis habet. / gnatvm vix possvnt coelvm et natvra dedisse, / hvivs qvem patris, victvs honoret honos. / æqvato tantvm, tanti tv facta parentis, / vota hominvm, vix qvo progrediantvr, habent / vincito, vicisti. Qvot reges priscvs adorat / orbis, nec te qvi vincere possit, erit. Ricard morysini car. Little one, emulate thy father and be the heir of his virtue; the world contains nothing greater. Heaven and earth could scarcely produce a son whose glory would surpass that of such a father. Do thou but equal the deeds of thy parent and men can ask no more. Shouldst thou surpass him, thou has outstript all, nor shall any surpass thee in ages to come. By sir richard morison. Object Type: painting. Date: 16th century, after 1539. Dimensions: height: 59 cm (23.2 in); width: 44.5 cm (17.5 in). Medium: oil on panel. Collection: Denver Art Museum.
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