Portrait of Derich Born

This charming artwork is a watercolour copy of Hans Holbein the Younger’s 1533 portrait of Derich Born. Born was a German merchant of considerable wealth, as demonstrated by the fashionable satin doublet coupled with the fur-lined cloak, who had his portrait painted by Holbein as part of the artist’s series of portraits of German merchants.

The Latin inscription at the bottom implies that the lifelike quality of the portrait prompts the viewer to question whether the artwork is a painting or a real person, a sentiment which takes on added meaning as this version is a watercolour copy from three centuries later. This watercolour retains the accuracy and lifelike qualities of Holbein’s original, especially with regard to Born’s face and clothing. The attention to detail from Derby in his copy indicates his competency as an artist with a keen eye for accuracy.

Alfred Thomas Derby
Alfred Thomas Derby was born in 1821 in London. His father was the watercolour and miniature painter William Derby, who undoubtedly passed his artistic capabilities to his son. Alfred studied at the Royal Academy and after finishing his studies, painted portraits and scenes from Walter Scott’s novels.

In 1838, William Derby suffered a stroke and his son Alfred began to assist his father in his work. William had been producing watercolour copies of the works of Landseer, amongst other artists. After William died, Alfred continued his father’s tradition of producing watercolour copies of the works of other artists, notably Gainsborough and Webster, with a distinct focus on figures and portraits. Derby exhibited over twenty works at the Royal Academy exhibitions between 1848 and 1872, as well as exhibiting at the Suffolk Street Gallery and the British Institution. 

After suffering from an illness for two years, Derby died in 1873 and was buried in Highgate Cemetery. His works feature in private collections across the UK and abroad.