4.9/5
Jean de Dinteville and Georges de Selve in London, 1533
In 1533, Hans Holbein the Younger painted The Ambassadors on oak, creating a masterpiece that now hangs in the National Gallery, London. [1] This massive double portrait depicts Jean de Dinteville, a French ambassador, and Georges de Selve, Bishop of Lavaur. [1] The two affluent men stand symmetrically on either side of a central, two-tiered table.
On the left, Jean de Dinteville wears a black coat lined with fluffy fur, pink satin sleeves, and a gold chain. On the right, Georges de Selve leans on the table in an academic robe. Behind them, a dark green damask curtain covers the wall, while a tiny silver crucifix peeks out from the top-left corner. [2]
The Mystery of the Skull and the Westminster Abbey Floor
The central table is covered with a red, black, and white Turkish carpet. [3] On its shelves, you see scientific instruments and a lute with a single broken string. [2] Underneath, the intricate geometric mosaic floor tiles mimic the sanctuary floor of Westminster Abbey choir, nodding to Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn. [2]
Across this floor floats a distorted, diagonal shape. This shape is an anamorphic skull, which appears normal only from a specific side angle. [1] Art historians interpret this skull as a reminder of death amidst human luxury. [1] The original French ambassador, Jean de Dinteville, commissioned this work. [2] He likely wanted to hang it in a room with two doors. [4]
Ordering Your Hans Holbein the Younger Reproduction
Buying the ambassadors reproduction lets you bring this grand mystery into your home. We paint every oil reproduction by hand on museum-grade linen canvas. This physical work matches the detailed look of traditional Northern Renaissance oil paintings. To find other masterpieces, you can explore our gallery of history's most celebrated creations.
We offer seven sizes of The Ambassadors starting at $350. Since the physical panel has a slight non-square deviation, you can easily specify custom measurements for your wall. [4] We also sell other Hans Holbein the Younger oil paintings, including the beautiful Portrait of Anne of Cleves or the Portrait of Desiderius Erasmus.
