Henry VIII Painting by Hans Holbein, c. 1536 Oil on wood 28x19 cm. The vain man prides himself inordinately on his appearance, accomplishments and possessions. In this our modern world, vain men strut and crave attention, seeking to gather and reinforce power and influence, no less today than in times past. This very month, one specifically comes to mind, whose characteristic attempts to exploit the above as he tries to establish his own form of monarchy, may remind us of an earlier tyrant. They share behaviours of course, including shrewd political opportunism, a brutal tendency to throw erstwhile helpers to one side, and to treat women (and marriage) ruthlessly – in a word, to bully. But first and foremost, it's that obsession with personal appearance that most strongly links these two. Look no further feast your eyes on my well-clad breast bejewelled jacket golden pendant chain and collar all interwoven garnets for kingship saphires and other...