Henry VIII separated the English church from the Roman Catholic church and made himself the head of the new Church of England in 1534. During the 16th and 17th centuries, England experienced major changes in its monarchy and religion. Portraiture became an important art form as artists like Hans Holbein the Younger, Nicholas Hilliard, and later Anthony van Dyck painted portraits of royalty and nobility to depict and promote the current rulers and establish England's cultural identity.

1. 16-17th century British art Aulikki Eskla Eve-Liis Mendel

9. The "Pelican Portrait" of Queen Elizabeth 1 c.1575 by Nicolas Hilliard

10. Elizabeth Stuart and Son c. 1615 by Nicholas Hilliard

11. Portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh c. 1585 by Nicholas Hilliard

15. The Noble Lady from Dance of Death 1524-26

16. Portrait of Thomas Cromwell c. 1533

17. Portrait of Henry VIII 1536

18. Jane Seymour, Queen of England 1536

19. Portrait of Anne of Cleves c. 1539

20. Portrait of Catherine Howard 1540-41

23. Samson and Delilah, ca. 1630 A strenuous history painting in the manner of Rubens; the saturated use of color reveals van Dyck's study of Titian.

24. Lord John Stuart and His Brother Lord Bernard Stuart c. 1638 The more intimate, but still elegant style he developed in England

25. Charles I of England c . 1635

26. Charles I on Horseback c. 1635

27. St. Mary's Church at Rye, England 1634 P en drawing