Simple Cross Blackwork Embroidery Pattern from Holbein's Portrait of Jane Seymour

This cross pattern can be found near the edge of Jane Seymour's cuffs with blackwork embroidery, also known as Holbein Stitch, from Hans Holbein the Younger's painting from 1536. 

 

This particular embroidery will become part of a larger embroidery project that includes 3 different patterns from 3 of Holbein's paintings. 

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. 

 

              Suggested Items for Purchase: 

- Beeswax: https://amzn.to/2NHAmTF 

- Embroidery Scissors: https://amzn.to/3rKAs0W 

- Linen Fabric: https://amzn.to/3m1bsuJ 

- Embroidery Needles: https://amzn.to/45AMjMG 

 

           Works Cited: 

- “Hans Holbein the Younger.” Uffizi Gallery. 

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

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

- Holbein the Younger, Hans. “Darmstadt Madonna.”