Wendy Holden | The Queen’s Painter

Photograph of Wendy standing beside a painting by Hans Holbein

Welcome to the Wendsite! If you haven’t been here before, have a wander round the tabs. I’m a No 1 bestselling novelist whose 21 books have sold over three million copies in 14 languages worldwide. Ten of my titles have been top-ten bestsellers in hardback and paperback.

The Queen’s Painter, my latest and 21st novel, has artist Hans Holbein as its hero. The Tudor court has been novelised every which way, but never from the point of view of the man who was its ultimate insider, who observed it all so closely and knew – and painted - every major figure. He was the first royal image-maker and his huge-broad-shouldered Henry VIII is instantly recognisable 500 years after it was painted. The iconic portrait of England’s most famous king.

As artist to the royal and powerful, Hans had a front-row easel as history’s most famous events unfolded. But how did he feel about the bloody death of his beloved patron Anne Boleyn? Did he use his genius as an artist to bring down those who destroyed her?

In The Queen's Painter it is Anne who brings the young German genius to prominence. When chief minister Thomas Cromwell also takes an interest, Holbein becomes the court’s most sought-after artist. His work is famous for its astonishing realism and psychological depth. No-one ever before has painted so accurately, with such lifelike truth that his subjects seem about to step out of their frames.

But truth is little in evidence when Anne is shockingly executed. Utterly shattered and confused by the speed and violence of events, Hans does not immediately realise how deeply Cromwell is involved.

But someone else does. Tricked into giving evidence at Anne’s sham of a trial, poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt is wracked with guilt. He's also hell-bent on vengeance. He persuades Hans to join with him to destroy Cromwell. But what can a mere poet and painter do against the most powerful statesman in England, a man whose ever-increasing influence is matched only by his ruthlessness?

With the sudden death of Queen Jane Seymour comes a gleam of possibility. Cromwell wants Holbein’s help in finding Henry a Wife No 4. Hans is sent abroad to paint candidates; given his reputation for truth, Cromwell thinks he can trust the results. But can he? Or is this the opportunity Hans and Wyatt have long been waiting for?

Can a paintbrush be the instrument of revenge?

Early Praise for
The Queen’s Painter

‘As exquisitely-rendered as a Holbein masterpiece, this vivid and compelling novel breathes new life into one of the most dramatic stories in English history’ Professor Tracy Borman, author and Tudor expert

‘I LOVED this. Wow - a fascinating period of history and the life of a painter all so vividly told. Wendy is simply brilliant - this novel is brilliant. It's so tight too, although that's not a viable book quote. But she brings this fascinating period to life in a way that's both fabulously modern and page turning. Just loved it.’ Cathy Kelly, author

‘A classy colourful and engaging novel’ Rachel Hore, author

‘A terrific read. Made me want to look at Holbein’s paintings with a completely new understanding’ Erica James, author

‘Gripping, rich and completely transporting’ Eve Chase, author

‘I loved this book’ Amanda Craig, author and critic

Reader reviews

‘Hans Holbein meets Anne Boleyn! What an original take on a much written about history - I loved it! This is a revenge drama at its finest.’ ★★★★★

‘The Queen’s Painter is warm, witty and intensely readable from the start to the very end. I loved it. The characters and dialogue were portrayed and narrated in a modern, and relatable manner and the whole reading experience was an absolute joy.’ ★★★★★

‘You really invest in these characters because you see them through the eyes of an artist rather than a courtier or royalty.’ ★★★★

‘I loved this book. It was a surprisingly emotional read and achieved the almost impossible, which was to bring a fresh angle to the well-worn story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. I have no hesitation in recommending this clever, fresh, and interesting take on the Tudor court.’ ★★★★★

‘I will look upon Holbein's paintings in a different light for sure, wondering what was happening behind the brush.’ ★★★★

‘The book is rich in period detail and there are touches of humour. It is beautifully written, making it a joy to read. The author has drawn on a wide range of sources. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the Tudor period.’ ★★★★★

‘Holden blends fact and fiction with elegance as she paints the portrait of a singular woman who refused to be diminished in the eyes of the most powerful man in England. Her account is meticulously researched and deeply felt.’ ★★★★

Early Praise for The Queen’s Painter

Reader reviews

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Early Praise for
The Queen’s Painter