Painted in 1533, this double portrait depicts two wealthy, educated, and powerful young men surrounded by objects representing the arts and sciences, with a hidden memento mori.

The painting shows Jean de Dinteville, French ambassador to England, and Georges de Selve, Bishop of Lavaur. Holbein created this work during his second period in England, serving as court painter to Henry VIII.

C.71.bb.4

Wuthering Heights; and Agnes Grey

by Ellis and Acton Bell

Author: Emily Brontë, Anne Brontë, and Charlotte Brontë

1850

Image: From the British Library collection

The Commercial Opportunity

Storytelling Potential:

• The Ambassadors is renowned for its technical brilliance, rich symbolism, and the famous anamorphic skull that can only be viewed correctly from a specific angle. It represents the height of Northern Renaissance portraiture.

Immersive Concepts:

• Painted in 1533 by Hans Holbein the Younger
• Features an anamorphic skull as memento mori
• Includes numerous symbolic objects and instruments
• Demonstrates mastery of perspective and detail
• One of the most analyzed paintings in art history