Artist: Hans Holbein the Younger (German b. 1497 d. 1543)
Date: 1533
Dimensions: 207 x 209.5 cm
Medium: oil on oak panel
Current location: The National Gallery, London
Period: Northern renaissance
Genre: portraiture

Quick Notes:
  • The two men are believed to be Jean de Dinteville (on the left, French ambassador to
    England) and Georges de Selve (on the right, Bishop of Lavaur). Some now believe the
    man on the right to be Francois de Dinteville who was Jean’s older brother and the
    French ambassador to Rome.
  • The odd diagonal shape in the center of the floor is an anamorphic projection of a skull (a
    traditional vanitas symbol). When viewed from an extreme, raking perspective, the skull
    falls into proper alignment and appears “normal.” This has led some to speculate that the
    painting was meant to be hung in a stairway.
  • On the shelves between the two men are many objects that symbolize learning in the
    areas of religion, the arts, and sciences. Many of the objects hint at the exploration of the
    globe and the discovery of the new world which was recent history at the time Holbein
    painted this double portrait.
  • Nearly hidden in the upper left corner is a small crucifix.

Suggested Compare-Contrast Target:
  • Pablo Picasso, Three Musicians


Writing Prompts:
  • What function does the anamorphic skull serve in the painting? Why did Holbein include
    it?
  • What do the collection of inanimate objects in the painting seem to say about the two
    men?


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Holbein Ambassadors