Consider this painting depicting Wolsey’s dismissal, with Wolsey on the far left while the Duke of Norfolk bows to take his leave and the Duke of Suffolk, Early of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain look on.

Contrast Wolsey with the other men in the scene. In what ways does Wolsey’s expression and physical position relative to the other men sum up the moment for Wolsey? What is the significance of the king’s absence from this dismissal of the man who was once his top advisor?John Pettie, The Disgrace of Cardinal Wolsey, 1869. Oil on canvas, 100 cm x 155 cm. Sheffield Galleries, UK.