Hans Holbein The Younger Research Paper

Hans Holbein the Younger was a German artist during the 16th century and is remembered as one of the best portrait artists during his time. He was born in 1497 in Augsburg into a family of famous artists, including his father, uncle, and older brother. Hans Holbein the Younger learned to paint from his famous artistic father, Hans Holbein the Elder. Hans Holbein the Younger painted over 150 portraits, as well as created woodcuts and designed clothing for royalty during his lifetime. In 1515, Holbein went to Basel, Switzerland and was commissioned to do pen illustrations in the margins of Erasmus’ book The Praise of Folly. Furthermore, in 1519 Holbein was admitted into the painters’ guild in Basel. During this time, he was commissioned for numerous works of art, including altarpieces and stained-glass windows. In addition, in this early part of his life he married Elsbeth Binzenstock, and officially became a citizen of Basel on July 3, 1519. When Holbein was 29 years old he stayed in England for two years and spent time with Thomas More. While in England, the artist painted portraits of More and his family, as well as More’s intellectual and humanist friend group. After his time in England, Holbein returned to Basel in 1528 and continued both municipal and religious work for a short time. …show more content…
The painting depicts two educated and upperclass men. Jean de Dinteville, is pictured on the left, and Georges de Selve stands on the right. Both of these men were powerful, French diplomats and the painting illustrates their intellect and prestige. The men are classic Renaissance men because on the top shelf in the painting there are books and instruments, such as a globe and sundial; while on the middle shelf there are numerous instruments and hymnals. Finally, there is a stretched and distorted skull on the bottom of the painting which represents mortality and