Art Analysis & Interpretation: The Ambassadors

                                    

                                          
Good art looks different to everybody. And even then, any kind of artwork or media of creation can look and feel different to everyone. Even for the artist themselves -a masterpiece seen by many may be one they look at with apathy. One artwork that can be looked at with multiple interpretations is Hans Holbein II's famous oil painting work "The Ambassadors." Finished in 1533, it was painted on oak panels and is still highly regarded today. Likewise with many artworks, it can be critiqued in four steps; describing it, analyzing it, interpreting it, and judging it. And in Holbein II's "The Ambassadors," there are many things that can also be learned from it.
 We can first describe the items featured in the oil painting. What is in front of us? Two people stand on opposite sides of the display table, wearing different outfits. The man on the left wears a fur coat and puffed sleeves, with a satin-like fabric underneath his tunic. And the other wears a dark brown leather coat. There are many artifacts in there that relate to traveling -such as the globes- and many other items that also seem to be used for travel on the top shelf of the table. There is also a red patterned tablecloth covering the top shelf of the display table. On the bottom shelf continues the collection of travel-themed items. However, it also includes musical instruments and books -one of which include notation for sheet music.
Just as letters and words are to a book, the elements and principles are what make up the fundamentals of an artwork. The elements that seem to be emphasized in Holbein II's work are shadows and textures. It simulates its textures, taking advantage of where the shadows are -rather than where the highlights may be- to imitate the folds and feeling of many fabrics that are included. This is what gives its realistic look, and the textures -such as the velvet curtain in the background- can easily be made out. Though shadows and shades are dominant in this piece, tints and highlights are not as emphasized, and are a lot less intense. The colors are a lot more neutral and values are a lot darker because of the many areas of shadow. "The Ambassadors" looks to be more of a low-key painting. No highlights or evident sources of light bounce off to create the contrast in values.
As for the applied principles, proportions are a lot more realistic, and imitates its subjects. The man's thicker coat -as well as shiner texture on his fur-trimmed long sleeve- makes him a focal point on the left side with fewer but larger items. The man on the right is wearing an outfit that blends into the shadows, and has a variety of smaller subjects near his side to balance out the large ones on the left. Items on the shelves are more leveled in a neutral position and are horizontal, following the stability of the shelves as they lie flat. Finally, the rhythm can be found repeating itself in the patterns of the background.
Interpretation of artworks is what makes a piece of art feel special and good to every person. This oil painting definitely gives off a more realistic and objective aesthetic, with its more neutral colors and expressions. And it appears to be about adventure and exploration. External influences -such as time and place- show in this artwork, as the 1500s was a time of European exploration and expansion. Additionally, the title "The Ambassadors" could imply an ambition to travel and spread their beliefs and culture. This goes in line with the books and sheet music on the bottom shelf -language and music, both big parts of a nation's culture -but there's more. A tablecloth spreads on top of the top shelf, with a drastically different pattern than the background. The instrument is also a gambusi -a traditional Swahili instrument. It's possible that the trade of culture could have been between both parties.
The last thing to interpret is their expressions. The men both have rather stoic, neutral expressions -complimenting an earlier point about the neutral colors, tones, and use of shadows. Although this could be for formality, it could also represent apathy and indifference. My overall impression of "The Ambassadors" is that it is about the pursuit of exploration and expansion -learning about many cultures and things along the way- and then looking down on the achievements with detachment and apathy.
And finally, I can evaluate whether or not I like the work and if it is considered "good" art. In the artistic world, "good" is a feeling -a preference- rather than a set of rules. It is based on our preference. In my case, I appreciate the realistic proportions, the accurate imitations of textures, patterns, and clothing. I also enjoy Holbein's use of shadows. However, I do wish the neutrality of the work had something brighter -highlights. There are not as many lighter colors (tints) or highlights within the work, nor are they emphasized as much. And it would work well to give the formal atmosphere a sense of contrast and variety. Perhaps the source of light could show "The Ambassadors" the many good things that they have learned from their expeditions.
To sketch it out and summarize, art can look and feel different to everyone. Hans Holbein II's "The Ambassadors" is a prime example of this, and has many things that can be critiqued. It had been critiqued in four steps; describing, analyzing, interpreting, and judging. A "good" artwork is based on our feelings and preferences. However, even if the artwork that's made (or seen) doesn't "feel" good, it is important to see past the shadows of the results and find that there have been many good things that you have learned along the way of your expeditions.