Hans Holbein the Younger, (artist), German, 1497/1498 - 1543, Sir Brian Tuke, c. 1527/1528 or c. 1532/1534, oil on panel, overall: 49.1 x 38.5 cm (19 5/16 x 15 3/16 in.), framed: 67 x 57.5 x 7.6 cm (26 3/8 x 22 5/8 x 3 in.), The political strength of Henry VIII's regime lay in his ability to choose advisors who were both wise and learned. One of these men was Sir Brian Tuke. As Master of the Posts, he organized and established England's postal service. In 1528 Sir Brian was appointed treasurer and secretary of the royal household, a position he held until his death in 1545. He was also admired as an eloquent speaker and literary figure who authored a preface to an edition of Chaucer..