Nicholas Kratzer

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Nicholas Kratzer (1487? – 1550) was a German mathematician, astronomer and horologist. Much of Kratzer's professional life was spent in England where he was appointed astronomer to King Henry VIII.

Born in Munich, Kratzer came to England in 1516 and established himself as part of the artistic and scientific circle around Sir Thomas More. Kratzer tutored More's children in mathematics and astronomy and More introduced him at court in much the same way as he had their mutual friend Hans Holbein. In the same manner as Holbein, Kratzer's talents obtained him a court position as astronomer and clock maker to the King.

Kratzer also collaborated with Holbein on producing maps and the artist in turn produced a portrait of Kratzer in 1528 which now hangs in the Louvre. It depicts the craftsman surrounded by the tools of his trade. His close relationship with Holbein and More can also be observed in his annotations of Holbein's draft for his portrait of the More family. Kratzer identifies the various family members (including Henry Patenson, More's 'fool') and their ages for the benefit of More's friend, the theologian Erasmus.