- Artist
- John Rogers Herbert 1810–1890
- Medium
- Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions
- Support: 851 × 1105 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Presented by Robert Vernon 1847
- Reference
- N00425
Display caption
Sir Thomas More was imprisoned in the Tower of London and charged with treason for not acknowledging King Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church. He was beheaded on Tower Hill on 6 July 1535. While in the Tower, More was visited by his daughter Margaret Roper. Looking out of his window, More saw a group of monks being led away for execution for refusing to take the oath of supremacy. In all humility, More instantly drew a comparison between their situation, going to their deaths happily following a life of religious devotion, and his own: for his life had been spent in 'pleasure and ease'.
Gallery label, March 1993
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