The Ambassadors, H. Holbein

August 10th, 2008, 12:11 PM

I like to know why there is a skull in the painting The Ambassadors from Hans Holbein the Younger.

Juliana from Brazil.

John · August 10th, 2008, 03:06 PM

I don't think anyone really knows. Wikipedia has an article about it with a few speculations, basically suggesting it's a symbol of mortality. It's a strangely playful way to remind people of the inevitability of death, though.

Personally I would think that Holbein put it there at the request of whoever commissioned the portrait, but what personal significance that symbol had for them is hard to say.

August 10th, 2008, 12:11 PM	#1
Juliana Posts: n/a	The Ambassadors, H. Holbein I like to know why there is a skull in the painting The Ambassadors from Hans Holbein the Younger. Juliana from Brazil.

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August 10th, 2008, 03:06 PM	#2
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,400	I don't think anyone really knows. Wikipedia has an article about it with a few speculations, basically suggesting it's a symbol of mortality. It's a strangely playful way to remind people of the inevitability of death, though. Personally I would think that Holbein put it there at the request of whoever commissioned the portrait, but what personal significance that symbol had for them is hard to say.