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

Holbein was at the court of King Henry the Eighth when the fascinating creature Anne Boleyn was a lady in waiting to Queen Katherine. They had previously met at Amboise when Anne was in France, and they struck up a friendship.
Holbein moved to England, his ambition was to become the court painter, he managed to find a friend and sponsor in Lord Thomas Cromwell.
Once Holbein gained that post, he became privy to many diplomatic, romantic and courtly secrets.
Holbein was apparently known for painting the “ unvarnished truth.” Fine clothes and sumptuous furnishings can deflect from a plain uninteresting face, hidden beauty can shine out.
When Anne became Queen, Holbein renewed his friendship with her and painted and did sketches of her, the provenance of these are still being argued about today. After Anne’s death, most of these were destroyed.
In this novel, Holbein and Thomas Wyatt, poet and childhood friend of Anne want revenge upon Cromwell for the betrayal of Anne. They aim to discredit him by using an artistically truthful painting that flatters Anna of Cleves, as the next intended Queen for Henry.
A brilliant play upon vanity and truth. This book delights the senses, how could a mere painter bring about the downfall of a trusted advisor?
This book is like an art gallery guide, I have spent many hours on line looking at these sketches and paintings and seeing them in a new light. The interpretation of the smallest clues and events that surrounded these Queens is so interesting. I have had great fun and possibly went crossed eyed trying to get the image of the skull in The Ambassador’s painting to line up correctly.!
I so enjoyed this book, it stimulates the artistic curiosity and imagination so well.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Headline, for my advanced copy, freely given in return for my honest review. A five star rating given. I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK later on.

I thought the Tudors had been done to death but this fictional reworking of the Tudor court from the eyes of Hans Holbein the Younger is a delight. The brutal beheading of Anne Boleyn is the starting point of this tale of avenging Thomas Cromwell and navigating the dangerous whims of Henry VIIIs rule. I loved the lively style and humour and enjoyed looking at pictures of the paintings that Holbein produced. It gives a new angle on court life and although fictional, it breathes new life into familiar characters.

I loved this story about Hans Holbein the royal painter who tried to exact revenge for Ann Boleyn's death. Fascinating insight into life at court and the job of the royal painter. A really interesting read about life in the time of Henry VIII and how he changed rules and lives to suit himself and his needs... sadly not much has changed for some powerful people centuries later! Big thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

🖌 Hans Holbein is synonymous with the Tudor Court. As heads were flying off left and right, so were his brushes. In this fictional account of Holbein's life, @wendyholdenauthor gives us a thrilling insight into the lion's den of Henry VIII's court. As his beloved Anne Boleyn is put to death, Holbein and Thomas Wyatt team up to being down the man they hold responsible for Anne's fall, Master Secretary himself, Thomas Cromwell. While Cromwell wiggles in and out of trouble, the combined forces of Holbein and Wyatt work tirelessly for years to find a weakness. When they finally find it, it's in the form of Anna of Cleves...and one famous painting.
Peppered with commentary from Anne beyond the grave, we get an idea of some behind the scenes thoughts that went into some of Holbein's most famous portraits.
We may not have a contemporary portrait of Anne, but we have her memory and a few clues, if you know where to look.
This is a throughly engaging read and one I greatly enjoyed reading. Thank you so much @netgalley for the ARC!

Fabulous historical fiction set in the Tudor era. I have read a lot of stories about Henry VII and his wives but never one told from the point of view of the court artist Holbein. It was really well written and captivating and I would recommend.

I loved this intriguing novel about Anne Boleyn and Holbein the 💚 that was unfulfilled and a very interesting take on the role of Cromwell and his undoing. I love historical fiction and always go with the author and loose myself into a semi true and semi fictional world. Total bliss thanks

This was such an interesting take on a part of history that is already well known. and portrayed in so many books
I loved it Very enjoyable and thought provoking.

I’ve read quite a few books about the fall of Anne Boleyn, about Thomas Cromwell, King Henry VIII, and all the other fascinating characters from this chapter in history and most of them leave me feeling sad and slightly depressed by the time I finish, but not on Wendy Holden’s watch - The Queen’s Painter is warm, witty and intensely readable from the start to the very end. I loved it. The characters and dialogue were portrayed and narrated in a modern, and relatable manner and the whole reading experience was an absolute joy.

Many, many thanks to all concerned for allowing me to read and review this marvellous novel. I hope Ms Holden writes more historical sagas in the future, her lightness of touch and her massive story telling talent are second to none.

A fascinating insight into the world of Hans Holbein, Henry VIII painter, starting with the execution of Anne Boleyn. A well known period of history, it is interesting to see it through his eyes.

The court painter and a poet plot Cromwell’s demise. Hans Holbein and his friend, poet Thomas Wyatt, get together to plot Cromwell’s demise in revenge for his role in Anne Boleyn’s downfall and execution. Holbein had fallen for her vivacity and charm while he painted her portrait. The story goes back to ten years earlier when Holbein found an introduction to the Tudor court (and Cromwell) after painting Thomas More’s portrait. You really invest in these characters, perhaps because you see them through the eyes of an artist, rather than a courtier or royalty.

This book has the satisfaction of a glass of fine wine and a box Belgian chocolates; it is a feast for the imagination, the language rich, and the story engrossing.
The painter of the title is Hans Holbein, who came to the English court to seek his fortune and because of a infatuation with Anne Boleyn. When Anne is executed (no spoilers there!) his thoughts turn to revenge on the man who orchestrated her trial, and lifted Holbein from obscurity, Thomas Cromwell.
With Holbein in the court’s inner circle, his weapon is truth of portraiture and this is a patient, calculating type of revenge where Holbein waits Cromwell to make a mistake which can be leveraged into a dramatic fall from grace.
I loved this book. I loved the pen portrait of Anne Boleyn as a wise, witty, vivacious young woman, who is recognisable as wishing for the self-determination of a modern women. Holbein’s character as a talented but naïve artist with ‘truth’ running deep through his core, was very real and refreshing. This was a surprisingly emotional read and achieved the almost impossible, which was to bring a fresh angle to the well-worn story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book as a clever, fresh, and interesting take on the Tudor court.
“If she’s ugly you mean?” He [Holbein] asks Jennet
It’s the wrong thing to say. She looks at him angrily.
“Ugly” she [Jennet] says hotly, “is a horrible word to use. Especially about a woman…. You of all people should know that what someone looks like in only part of the story. Not his type is what I said.”

Wendy Holden’s new novel takes the reader deep into the Tudor court of Henry Viii and the events that are familiar to many. However, by telling the story through the eyes of the King’s painter, Hans Holbein, she brings a unique point of view.
We see the tragic and tumultuous history from a different aspect and it is a refreshing and intriguing read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the chance to read and review

There are many historical novels set in the Tudor period. The Queen's Painter offfers a new perspective as it focuses on the painter Hans Holbein. Holbein and Thomas Wyatt join forces to bring down Thomas Cromwell, believing him to be the responsible for the execution of Anne Boleyn. The book is rich in period detail and there are touches of humour, particularly when they travel abroad to paint potential brides for the king. It is beautifully written, making it a joy to read. The author has drawn on a wide range of sources and includes a booklist for further reading. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the Tudor period.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review

The Queens Painter by Wendy Holden

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.

When his beloved Anne is beheaded on false evidence, Hans is heartbroken and enraged. And he's not alone. Poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt is agonised at his own unwitting part in her tragedy. He and Hans join forces and vow revenge on the person they blame for Anne's downfall: Thomas Cromwell, the king's ruthless chief minister.
The,author does it again in writing a great story around historical people / events .
I always thought Holbein was a kings man but can see the Ann of Cleves painting as being somewhat the revenge for the death of Ann Boleyn ( although it is said Henry's description of her as Flanders Mare was very inconsiderate of him and untrue )
Loved the premier of the book , loved how the characters were portrayed .
Excellent .