The case of the flutes in Holbein's The ambassadors

Author

Rasmussen, Mary

Document type

Article (journal)

Language

English

Source

Early music. 1995, Num. 1, Vol. 23, 114-123, 11 ill. (1 col.)

ISSN

0306-1078

Abstract (en)

Discusses the iconography of Holbein the Younger's double portrait in the National Gallery, London, drawing attention to the case of flutes which lies diagonally beside the lute at the far right of the lower shelf. Among various possible interpretations, the author emphasizes the flutes as a military symbol. She suggests that the case of flutes here represents Mars, while the lute represents Venus. Mars and Venus together were the parents of Harmonia, and this is consonant with the picture's overall theme of reconciliation.

Subject (en)

• General history of art -- 1400-1800 -- Pictorial arts -- Painting and drawing -- Germany
• Holbein, Hans, the younger, ca.1497-1543
• Painting
• Ambassadors
• National Gallery||London (GBR)
• Germany
• 1500-1600
• Portraits
• Iconography
• Flutes
• Mars (god)
• Harmony
• Lutes
• Venus

Subject (fr)

• Histoire générale de l'art -- 1400-1800 -- Peinture et arts graphiques -- Peinture et dessin -- Allemagne
• Holbein, Hans, le Jeune, v.1497-1543
• Peinture
• Les Ambassadeurs
• National Gallery||London (GBR)
• Allemagne
• 1500-1600
• Portrait
• Iconographie
• Flûte
• Mars (dieu)
• Harmonie
• Luth
• Vénus

Origin

DatabaseBHA (Inist-CNRS/GRI)

Identifier19960401-00284831

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