Master Crewe as Henry VIII

Sir Joshua Reynolds was known for his exceptional portraits of children, often commended for capturing their spirit of comedy, sympathy, innocence, and tenderness. This portrait of John Crewe is modeled after a painting of Britain’s Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543). The print conveys the humor and satire intended by the original work, as the small, smiling boy mimics the mighty king.