Painting of the Month

Holbein, 'The Ambassadors', 1533
Special Feature: 'The Ambassadors' explained

The two wealthy, influential Frenchmen flank a central display of luxury objects. On the top shelf are items for the study of astronomy and for telling the time. The lower shelf includes a globe, a mathematical book, musical instruments and a hymn book. The strange shape in the foreground is a distorted skull.

The variety and detail of the objects suggest they probably have a symbolic meaning, and some seem to allude to a world of chaos and division. Both men were closely involved in the political and religious turmoil sparked by the Reformation and the painting may reflect their concern about the uncertainties of the time.


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