Discuss the detail work in portraits by Hans Holbein and how these details relate to humanism (Revel Asset: Closer Look, Holbein’s The Ambassadors).
What will be an ideal response?
In both The Ambassadors and Nicolaus Kratzer, implements indicative of the humanist interests of the day, as well as tools identifying the occupation of the sitter, are drawn in meticulous detail. The presence of a sundial, ruler, and woodcutting knife point to notions of time and the creation of astronomical tools. The inclusion of musical instruments and sheet music points to interest in the arts and the inclusion of a globe points to trade and expansion, all humanist themes.
The objects behind the ambassadors are of two types: on the upper shelf items relating to celestial measurement are arrayed, while the lower shelf includes items related to terrestrial travel. Music is seen as a symbol for harmony during this period. The broken string of the lute on the lower table is thought to represent the disruption caused by the growth of Protestant reform in Europe. On the lower shelf, next to the lute, is a Lutheran Hymnal open to one of Luther’s most popular compositions, “Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire.” In the foreground a skull has been distorted by anamorphosis, a process that stretches an image on a trapezoidal grid requiring the image to be viewed at an angle to be visible. The skull here and also on de Dinteville’s cap reminds the viewer of the reality of one’s mortality. The pavement in the picture is known as Cosmati work, named after the Italian specialists in the technique. It is copied from Westminster Abbey, which further suggests that the diplomats may have been on a mission of reconciliation.
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