HOLBEIN, Hans the Younger
(b. 1497, Augsburg, d. 1543, London)

The Ambassadors (detail)

1533
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

In spring 1533, Georges de Selve (c. 1508-1541), Bishop of Lavaur and a French diplomat at the court of the Emperor Charles V, visited his friend Jean de Dinteville (c. 1503-1555), who was in London as an envoy of the French king, Francis I. During this meeting, the two men had their portrait painted. The splendidly dressed 29-year-old Dinteville stands on the left of the picture, and like the 25-year-old de Selve gazes directly at the viewer.