Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan
Hans Holbein the Younger, c1538
In May 1909 Art Fund launched the most difficult appeal of its early history.
It needed to raise the total cost of this painting in less than a month.
The painting has been commissioned by Henry VIII, who considered making the 16 year old Duchess his fourth wife. The work was placed on loan to The National Gallery in 1880 – where it remained on public view for nearly 30 years. When the Duke of Norfolk announced his intention to sell, American and German investors were keen to buy it.
The painting was saved at the eleventh hour by a private donation of £40,000 through Art Fund, offered by an anonymous English woman on condition that her name was never revealed.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan, c1538
Date supported
1909
Medium and material
Oil on oak
Dimensions
182 x 83 cm
Grant
72,000
Total cost
72,000
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