Visual Cultures 3 - The Renaissance

Hans Holbein the younger

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/hans-holbein-the-younger

"Hans Holbein the younger, self portrait about 1542-3. Florence"

As far as 16th century art goes, Hans Holbein the younger was one of the most accomplished portraitist. 

Although Holbein was born in Augsburg, in southern Germany 1497. He spent a lot of time and a large amount of his life in England (1526-8 and 1532-43). It was during this time that he worked for Henry the Eighth as well as other important people of that time.

Slideshow

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/artists/hans-the-younger-holbein

This link takes you to a really good slideshow, showcasing some of Holbeins best work.

The ambassadors

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hans-holbein-the-younger-the-ambassadors

"The Ambassadors 1533"

This painting captures the essence of two young yet powerful men. The man on the left side is believed to be Jean De Dinteville who at the time this painting was completed was a 29 year old french ambassador to England in 1533. To the right of him you see his friend George De Selve who was a little younger that Jean at the age of 25. George was the bishop of Lavaur. On occasion he was asked to step in as ambassador to the Emperor, the Venetian Republic of the Holy See. 

The first thing you do notice when looking at this painting are in fact the two men but as you look at the finer details you notice the objects that are quite clearly strategically placed. The reason these items were placed there was to show not only how wealthy these two men were but also to show how educated they are and even shows their mortality in the elongated and distorted skull on the floor. 

More of Hans Holbein's work

http://www.thetudorswiki.com/page/Hans+Holbein+Paintings+%26+Sketches