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Layers of Power

Jean de Dinteville stands at the left, a French ambassador. At the right is his friend, Bishop Georges de Selve. Painted during a time of great religious tension, Holbein’s portrait captures not only their presence but their world. Instruments of science, books, and silks are rendered with astonishing realism. Yet beneath their feet lies a secret. Seen from the side, the strange form becomes a skull, a reminder of mortality. In the shadows above, a small crucifix offers a quiet promise of redemption. This work can be seen at [The National Gallery in London,https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hans-holbein-the-younger-the-ambassadors]

Duration: 00:03:46

Categories: Old Masters,Slow Art

Tags: hans, holbein, younger, ambassadors, 06_148_holbein_the_ambassadors_0346_720.mp4 jean de dinteville, the man on the left, is shown on his second diplomatic mission to england on behalf of francis i, king of france. to the right is his close friend, georges de selve, bishop of lavaur. this portrait was painted at a time of religious upheaval in europe. the portrait is a supreme display of holbein’s skill in composing images and in manipulating oil paint to recreate a variety of textures. if viewed from a particular angle the elongated shape between the men’s feet becomes a skull. equally hidden at the top left of the picture is a crucifix that hints at the hope of redemption in the resurrected christ. this masterpiece is located in the national gallery in london.