Sasha Pearce
Name Given at Birth: sasha holbein
Nicknames: I am now titled Sasha Pearce as two years ago I married Richard Pearce of Pearce Hall in Suffolk. Richard passed away 7 months ago while on course to see the New World, yet I have kept his name. Because I have worked with my father, and some know me so well as his assistant, I have been called simply Holbein by my close friends and the generous supporters of art among the court.
Hometown or where you were born: My natal day is lost in the winter of 1514. I was born in Lucerne Switzerland, to my comely mother, Katharine (childhood friend of Anne de Bretagne) who died only two years later. My father, Hans Holbein the Younger, had been asunder from my life until shortly before my mother died. In 1519 I did abide with my father, moving to Basel Switzerland and then with him to London in 1526, where I met Henry VIII for the first time and commenced in the arts for his royal court.
Current Residence: London has been good to me, by our Majesty’s good graces, and forever the home of my heart. Until Our Majesty had requested my presence and portraiture skill at this good wedding and coronation of our Queen Anne Boleyn, this last 6 months I had been providing for Mary (dowager Queen of France) with portraits, dressing designs, and other arts from Paris, France, under the generous supporter of the arts, Francis I.
Age: I have lived between 18 and 19 summers, my proper natal day being lost to history I know not for certain.
Class: Being cast in the midst of the Royal court of France and Switzerland, and through my work for the court of Henry VIII and my marriage to Richard Pearce my father and I have come into the Nobility of good England.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I was born with an ability to bring the scenes of my mind into the view of my fellows, to cast the reflection of our own lives and experiences onto a mirror of canvas: to paint! Ay to paint, to sculpt, to bring forth the renaissance! This is what God has ordained for me. There is a growing movement of change in Europe, Italy and France, and I must help carry it to England, where it is sure to bloom and provide a most illuminating time in history. A time that embodies the arts and that which they stand for… The Renaissance!
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Ha! Indeed, there is a practice in Holland of which I have partaken, whence we did doff our costume to go betwixt very hot spring waters to very cold Alpine streams. Very good for the health, ‘tis said. Nay, tho’, I’ve not been schooled in swimming, alas I do manage to stay afloat.
Do you make fun of people: Nothing too wrong with a little jest here and there… For the most part, I pray, I do not. Making light of one’s own faults- now that’s good for everyone, but beyond lighthearted discourse or humorous imagery in paint, I like my fellows the way they be.
Favorite Color: If it please you that I choose just one, I shall try… but colours are my words, how if I should ask, "what be thine favourite word?" I should think ‘twould be one high in nature, devotional and respectful to whence we came and whence we shall return. And now I think, what colour would that word be… that of the gilded clouds at dawn, mayhap? 'Tis the very colour of the sun at dusk as well. Yes, I will choose gold, the bright gold at the center of the sun. Ay, the sun! without which the world would be bereft of any colour at all!
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: A crime to one may be a blessing to another. My father and I have helped Martin Luther with his reformation and father even took part in writing a new version (with old meaning) of the Bible. To some, such a thing be criminal. Our Henry, I know, has been spectator upon these endeavors, tho’ at a distance,
Closest friends/How did you meet: Being in England has been provided for me through Our Majesty King Henry VIII, he and his court have been most generous with me since I commenced serving in ’26. Of recent days, I have spent many happy hours with Anne Boleyn, to better acquaint myself with her and prepare portraits of her for Our Majesty, and have found myself to feel our like-mindedness. We have become close, as if we’ve known one another for many seasons. And good King Henry, of course, always providing me with work in his court and sittings for portraiture. We met in ’26 and share a great love of a hearty masque and all arts.
One Pillow or two: One pillow now, since Richard’s Eternal Sleep carries him elsewhere. I so oft find myself working late hours in the silence of the night in courtyards or cathedrals, waking to the sound of hustling servants and the realization that I’ve drifted off to sleep with my brush still at hand- perchance it would befit me to say no pillow at all!
Pets: I’ve no time for pets in the sense that others in the court may keep, but my steed, Wolfgang, is my prized possession and, by my faith, a true friend. Of Arabian descent, he is of the oldest breeds and one of the smartest creatures I’ve had the pleasure to be acquainted with.
Favorite Type of Music: I do love the hymns of my friend Martin Luther. Not well known in this country, but I hope will become so.
Hobbies/Pastimes: I am devoted to art, and helping my fellow brothers with it. It requires travel, patience, and leaves little time for else. Though, learning and practicing the cuisine of France seems to occupy me whenever I near a hot stove!
Personal Hygiene: Using pigments and liquids unsuitable to my skin, I necessarily take great pains to bathe myself of them oft.
Favorite Food: I love the food of France, the cheeses and wine; why, I could make much to do over the daily bread there!
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: Mother died when I was very young. Father and I are very close. I have learned and am learning still to better my skill at art from him.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: Mother died in 1517 of a carriage accident. Dreadful, I’m sure, but the details have never been disclosed to me.
Favorite place to relax: When peace is my hearts seeking, I find solace in the church, at God’s altar. If no church be near, the shade of a big oak will suffice, God exists not in the church alone.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Everyday is precious to me. I can see the subtlest difference and shade of colour, yet the difference from one day to the next eludes me. They are all connected, in such a timeless sort of spiral; I praise God for every day the sun’s rays fall upon my face.
Favorite Drink: A French Bordeaux, the most delightful of wines.
What's your bedtime: Whenever I fall asleep. I don’t care too much to try and trace down time.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: One of three pairs of sturdy boots, given to me by his Majesty as gifts upon my arrival here. I’ve been in Canterbury now a fortnight hence.
Are you married or single: Richard Pearce of Suffolk was my husband, now I am married to the wind, sky, the moon, and where-so-ever I see his memory.
Do you have a family / who are they: Father is in London finishing a portrait of two Frenchmen visiting, The Ambassadors, Jean de Dinteville, ambassador from France to the court of King Henry VIII and his friend of the French clergy Georges de Selve.
Favorite Entertainment: I find great entertainment in making people smile. Thus I try my best to do so.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: The Reading and Writing of English were my favourite studies; communications of all kinds compel my deepest interest.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I never liked the version of history that was fed to me. As I grow, I discover past events were not always as oft told.
Favorite Sport: I love to hunt with my steed.
Most Humiliating Moment: When first introduced to Francis, King of France, I somehow thought his name was France, but youth and his good humor proved a great protection, for my folly was but a spectacle of enjoyment to him.
Proudest Moment: For being publicly acknowledged as Portrait artist to King Henry VIII this festive season I am most gracious, by my faith I know full well that’ tis not oft the manner of today to allow a female take up such an honourable position.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Leonardo DaVinci. I have known him to be of great wit and fantastic ideas.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: A strong will, just mind, and keen humor. The same I seek in myself.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, who is your immediate "overlord". I would say I follow my father’s wishes, when he is away that of the Court of Henry.
Favorite Sport to watch: I love a joust.
Do you remember your first kiss: Richard kissed me upon our first meeting. Those present made quite a fuss.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Nay, only the friend’s I’ve made in the courts of England.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: I don’t rightly know. If I ever do vacate, I shall do it somewhere with majestic views and warm weather.
Have you ever been overseas: Well, I was born overseas and have made the journey across thrice.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: My abode in London has alabaster flooring, and my stay in Paris found me walking upon the same.
What is your bed made of: I have had goose down in my bed for the most part of my life. I prefer velvet bedcovers to keep the warmth.
How many people sleep in your bed: One, which I’m aware of, and that’s me. If anyone else is sneaking ‘round there they’ve made the fool of me!
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. I am Hans Holbein’s Daughter.
2. I am portrait artist to the royal court of Henry VIII.
3. I am here to celebrate and commemorate the wedding of Henry and Anne, and will be painting guests of the King throughout the day.
4. I am acquainted with the royal court of France as well as other countries.
5. Hans Holbein and I are spreading the Renaissance movement from the mainland of Europe to England.
6. I have been commissioned by King Henry to design clothing, decor, monuments, and portraits for the coronation and wedding of Anne Boleyn.
7. I have recently been working for King Francis I of France, in Paris, and speak some French.
8. My home is in London.
9. My work in art has introduced me to a wide scope of people, including Martin Luther, for whom my father (Hans Holbein) helped write the new version of the Bible for the Reformation.
10. I love all people, try to understand them, and want to make them smile. I consider myself a friend to everyone and enemy to no one.