16th Century Blackwork Embroidery (Holbein Stitch) Pattern from Noble Boy with a Marmoset

Watch step by step as I embroider the ocean wave pattern found on the 16th century collar of the Noble Boy with a Marmoset, painted by Hans Holbein the Younger.

 

Holbein stitch, also referred to as double-running stitch or Spanish stitch, is a reversible counted stitch used in early 16th century blackwork embroidery. 

Hans Holbein the Younger was a European painter, just like his older brother Ambrosius and his father, Hans the Elder. If you hear the term 'Holbein stitch', it is in reference to Hans the Younger. From his friendship with Erasmus, he had a letter of introduction and found himself in England to eventually become a court painter in the court of King Henry VIII of England. Compared to other artists at the time, Holbein painted numerous portraits with blackwork embroidery in them. 

 

                Picture Credit: 

- Holbein d. J., Hans. “Jane Seymour.” Kunst Historisches Museum Wien. 

- Holbein d. J., Hans. “Portrait of a Noble Boy with a Marmoset.” KunstMuseum Basel.