Bust of Henry VII
1509-1511

This bust was based on a plaster cast taken from the dead King's face. The cast was also used for his funeral effigy. The bust was meant to show the King as in life and may have been a test of skill for the Florentine sculptor, Pietro Torrigiani. In 1512 he was commissioned to make the tomb of Henry VII and his wife Elizabeth of York in Westminster Abbey. Torrigiani was the most important Italian artist to be employed by their son, Henry VIII.

Painted terracotta

Made in London by Pietro Torrigiani (born in Florence, Italy, 1472, died in Seville, Spain, 1528; active in England about 1507-1522/25).

Possibly commissioned by John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester (1459-1535), together with his own portrait bust and one of Henry VIII.

Museum no. A.49-1935.