Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

Our portrait is an example of the only known portrait type of the Cardinal that derives from a portrait executed in the Cardinal's lifetime. Variants are in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery and at Christ Church, Oxford.

Both of these are datable to c.1600, and though the type is widely disseminated, the original of c.1520 remains untraced. The Cardinal is depicted in profile, a style harking back to early medals and coinage.

Thomas Wolsey, adorned in his iconic red robe and captured in a distinctive side profile, remains one of the most recognisable figures of the Tudor period. His life and career are an insight into the intricate relationship between church and state of the era.  

Born around 1473, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings using his intelligence and administrative talents to become an English statesman and Catholic Cardinal. In April 1508, Wolsey was dispatched to Scotland to discuss rumours of the renewal of the Auld Alliance with King James, an alliance that united Scotland and France against England. This diplomatic operation highlighted Wolsey’s growing influence aw well as his pivotal role in European Politics.

Wolsey’s rise to power coincided with the accession of Henry VIII in April 1509, making a significant shift in the Kingdom’s character, policies and diplomatic approach compared to those of his father. In 1509, Henry appointed Wolsey as almoner, providing him with a seat on the Privy Council and an opportunity to achieve greater prominence, allowing Wolsey to establish a personal rapport with the king. A key factor in Wolsey’s rise was Henry VIII’s initial lack of interest in the details of governance, allowing Wolsey to exercise considerable influence and control over decisions.

By 1514, Wolsey had assumed control over virtually all matters of state. He also held numerous ecclesiastical positions, including Archbishop of York, the second most important role in the English Church, and Papal Legate, the Pope’s representative in England. Later, Wolsey also became the Lord Chancellor, the king's chief advisor, through which he enjoyed considerable freedom and was often referred to the alter rex, meaning ‘other king’.

Despite his significant influence and power, Wolsey’s inability to secure an annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to his fall from favour. Stripped of his government titles, he retreated to York to fulfil his ecclesiastical duties as archbishop - a position he had nominally held but had neglected during his years in government. He was recalled to London to answer charges of treason - charges that Henry commonly used against ministers who fell out of favour-, however, Wolsey died of natural causes en route.