Hans Holbein Flashcards
Who is the Ambassdors of and to who’s court did they belong?
When was it painted?
Jean de Dinteville, 29, French Ambassador to England
Georges de Selve, 25, Bishop of Lavaur.
King Henry VIII 1533.
What are the objects surrounding them and what do they represent?
Objects demonstrating intellectual prowess and elite education. Globe, books, lute.
Why is the lute significant?
And the hymn book?
It has a broken string. Discord in Christian World after English break from Catholic Church?
Lutheran - Protestant- songs.
What is the skull in The Ambassadors an example of?
What message does this give?
Why obscure it?
Anamorphic ‘memento mori’. A reminder of death.
All the worldly wealth and liberal education means nothing when compared with the everlasting life to come.
It is always present in all we do, if obscured.
What does the cross in top left of The Ambassadors represent?
Completes the allogory of death and new life by reminding of sacrifice made by Christ.
Why is The Ambassadors contradictory?
Functions as a symbol of material and intellectual wealth, whilst reminding of the meaningless of it all
