The portrait wants to show that England was powerful during Henry VIII reign. The dagger suggest the idea that he was crual and powerful. Indeed, we all know that he has beheaded two of his wifes. Henry VIII representes the wealth and the royalty. Actually, he wanted to show how impresive, imposing and majestic he was. To me, the clothes, the jewels, the gems and the dagger is a way to show how he was more upper than the other kings.
