"Les ambassadeurs", la face cachée du monde | Documentaire | ARTE

The Ambassadors: A Masterpiece of the Renaissance

Overview of the Painting

• The painting "The Ambassadors," created in 1533 by Hans Holbein the Younger, is a significant work of art that encapsulates Western culture during a time of globalization.

• It features two young French ambassadors, dressed lavishly, on a secret mission to the English court amidst Europe's political turmoil.

Themes and Symbolism

• The artwork reflects both advancements in knowledge and the brutal upheavals of the Renaissance, highlighting uncertainties and superstitions prevalent at that time.

• Central to the painting is an ambiguous gray form on the floor that transforms into a skull when viewed from a certain angle, symbolizing deeper truths obscured by perception.

Characters Depicted

• Jean de Dinteville, an aristocrat aged 29 adorned with the Order of Saint Michael, stands alongside George de Selve, a 25-year-old bishop; their youth does not hinder their diplomatic mission's significance.

• Their roles as ambassadors reflect their direct connection to monarchies in Europe and highlight their responsibilities within this new profession emerging in the 16th century.

Diplomatic Context

• The ambassadors' task was perilous due to King Henry VIII's unpredictable nature; they had to navigate dangerous political waters while gathering intelligence for France.

• The role of an ambassador during this period involved being both a representative and an informant for their sovereign, often requiring espionage skills amidst treacherous court dynamics.

Historical Significance

• In 1533, significant events unfolded including Henry VIII's controversial marriage to Anne Boleyn against papal orders—an act that would alter England’s history profoundly.

The Diplomatic Maneuvers Surrounding Anne Boleyn's Marriage

The Role of French Ambassadors

• Anne Boleyn had long been associated with the court of Claude de France, wife of François Ier, leading to the dispatch of two French ambassadors to England for diplomatic negotiations during her marriage.

• Jean de Dinteville was sent specifically because he knew Anne Molen from his time at the French court; however, he personally disliked the cold and rainy conditions in England.

• George de Selve served as a crucial messenger known for handling secret missions, believed to carry an encouraging message for Henry VIII regarding his marriage plans.

The Challenges of a Secret Marriage

• The ambassadors faced an almost impossible task: supporting a secret marriage until its royal coronation while navigating complex political alliances among four powerful princes who were rivals.

• Charlesquin, the most significant figure of the time ruling over the Holy Roman Empire, was central to this rivalry. His foreign policy aimed at undermining François I through various alliances.

Henry VIII's Marital Dilemma

• Henry VIII sought to marry Anne Boleyn but needed to annul his existing marriage to Catherine of Aragon due to her inability to produce a male heir, which was seen as a severe weakness in that era.

• To achieve this divorce during the Renaissance period required papal approval—a lengthy process initiated by Henry in 1527 amidst significant challenges facing Pope Clement VII.

Political Turmoil and Papal Authority

• In 1527, Pope Clement VII faced dire circumstances as Rome was under siege by Charlesquin’s troops, making him wary about granting Henry’s request for annulment.

• Catherine of Aragon held significant ties as she awaited support from Charlesquin; thus, even the Pope hesitated to provoke the emperor by allowing Henry's divorce.

The Implications of Divorce on European Politics

• The French ambassadors were sent to London amid this diplomatic crisis aiming to strengthen Franco-English relations while leveraging Catherine's repudiation as a strategic advantage against Rome.

• Henry’s request for annulment created scandalous ripples across Europe—symbolized by a shepherd's dial indicating April 11th as the date chosen for announcing his marriage and coronation plans with Anne Boleyn.

Outcomes and Consequences

• A hasty ceremony was necessary since Anne was already several months pregnant; Jean de Dinteville remained until both events occurred due to their intertwined nature with her pregnancy hopes.

• Ultimately, despite all efforts and tensions surrounding papal relations, Anne gave birth not to a son but rather Elizabeth I—leading Henry further down a path toward schism with Rome.

The Life and Influence of Hans Holbein

Early Life and Background

• The young painter, possibly depicted at 25 years old, is an outsider at the court of Henry.

• He is neither aristocratic nor English; he hails from Augsburg in Bavaria, a significant imperial city during his time.

• At 18, Hans joins his father's workshop, collaborating on large church paintings before moving to Basel for new opportunities.

Career Development and Humanism

• In Basel, Holbein becomes the portraitist for Erasmus, a leading humanist whose Bible translation challenges Catholic authority.

• The artwork reflects themes of discord and confusion through objects that require natural light to function properly.

Socio-political Context

• Social unrest arises due to the Pope's financial demands for palace expansion, leading to the sale of indulgences starting in 1516.

• Indulgences allow people to buy time off purgatory for deceased loved ones; this practice exploits family suffering amid high mortality rates.

The Reformation's Impact

• Martin Luther opposes this organized extortion by posting his 95 theses in Wittenberg in 1517, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation.

• The Reformation leads to widespread destruction of art as people react against religious imagery.

Shifts in Artistic Demand

• The German-speaking art market suffers significantly as fewer artists can sustain themselves due to reduced religious commissions.

• Experienced painters like Holbein pivot towards portraiture as a new revenue source reflecting individualism celebrated during the Renaissance.

Relocation and New Opportunities

• Holbein moves to London where he integrates into a German community known as Steelard, creating numerous portraits for merchants and bankers.

• His work gains prominence among those who share cultural ties with him while navigating political alliances with England.

Cultural Exchange and Symbolism

• Trade interactions extend beyond commerce; ideas are exchanged which contribute significantly to the spread of Reformation thoughts across Europe.

• Portrait subjects showcase their status through carefully selected objects that symbolize wealth and culture within their context.

Political Tensions Reflected in Art

• An Anatolian carpet featured in portraits symbolizes both luxury and geopolitical tensions with the Ottoman Empire during Francis I’s reign.

The Renaissance Worldview and Its Transformations

The Christian Perspective on Religion

• The prevailing belief during this period was that Christianity held superiority over all other religions, a notion that was largely uncontested in Europe at the time.

Symbolism of the Globe in Renaissance Art

• A globe depicted in art serves as a metaphor for the political landscape of the Renaissance, where power, religion, and knowledge are interconnected. Its upside-down position symbolizes the turmoil of the era.

Technological Revolution: The Printing Press

• The invention of the printing press marked a significant technological revolution, comparable to modern advancements like the internet. This innovation contributed to an accelerated pace of historical events and altered perceptions of reality.

• The printing press facilitated global communication and information dissemination, paralleling contemporary experiences with rapid changes in society.

Mapping New Worlds: Cartography's Role

• Martin Bhaim created one of the first world maps in 1492, which challenged existing beliefs by depicting a round Earth. This representation was initially viewed as heretical but ultimately reshaped worldviews.

• Maps from this era were oriented towards significant locations; Jerusalem was traditionally placed at the top due to its importance in Christianity.

• In contrast to earlier maps, new representations began prioritizing newly discovered lands such as the Americas, reflecting their emerging significance during the Renaissance.

Cultural Reflections through Artifacts

• The globe featured detailed depictions primarily of Europe while omitting major cities like London. Instead, it included lesser-known places like Polysie, suggesting localized perspectives on global importance.

• Polysie's mention highlights regional influences within broader geopolitical contexts; it reflects how localities could be perceived as central within specific narratives.

Mathematics and Political Divisions

• An open mathematics book beside the globe signifies advancements in arithmetic during this period. It raises questions about whether diplomatic missions were linked to these mathematical operations amidst societal divisions.

• Instruments like compasses became essential tools for navigation and exploration during this time, symbolizing both physical journeys and intellectual pursuits across Europe.

Music as a Reflection of Harmony and Discord

• The lute's prominence illustrates music's role alongside sciences such as astronomy and geometry; it embodies universal harmony yet also hints at underlying discord within society.

• A broken string on the lute may symbolize political disarray or social issues that disrupt harmony but suggests hope for resolution despite imperfections.

Religious Implications in Diplomatic Missions

• Connections between musical instruments and figures like Martin Luther suggest deeper religious implications behind diplomatic endeavors—potentially supporting reformist causes against established church authority.

The Complexity of the Reformation

The Gradual Nature of Reform

• The Reformation is often viewed as a fixed event, but it was a gradual process involving discussions and debates among figures like Jean and George.

• The schism was not seen as definitive in 1530; rather, it resembled tectonic movements requiring careful navigation by those involved.

Cultural Shifts in the 1530s

• The 1530s marked a turning point in 16th-century culture, characterized by diminishing optimism. In England, this period coincided with Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn.

• Political instability during this time is symbolized through art, reflecting the discomfort of ambassadors amidst changing political landscapes.

Artistic Techniques and Perspectives

• Olbine's artistic prowess is highlighted through his representation of instruments, showcasing rivalry among painters since Albrecht Dürer.

• Olbine advanced Dürer's theories on perspective and anamorphosis, pushing boundaries with distorted perspectives that challenge viewers' perceptions.

Anamorphosis and Reality

• Anamorphosis reveals hidden geometric distortions when viewed from specific angles, popular in early 16th-century art.

• "Les Ambassadeurs" uniquely combines mathematical perspective with secretive spectral perspectives, prompting questions about reality versus illusion.

Death as a Central Theme

• The skull serves as an enduring icon questioning existence; it challenges viewers to consider whether life is real or merely an illusion.

• Human skull imagery symbolizes mortality; the concept of "memento mori" urges individuals to live virtuously in light of inevitable death.

Renaissance Obsession with Mortality

• Olbine’s works reflect a quest for signs amid life's mysteries; he grapples with understanding existence against the backdrop of death's omnipresence.

• Personal loss influenced Olbine’s fixation on death; his early work depicts decay rather than divine resurrection.

Dance Macabre: A Reflection on Mortality

• Olbine’s "Dance Macabre" series illustrates daily encounters with death through engravings that resonate with themes found in "Les Ambassadeurs."

• Unlike "Les Ambassadeurs," which employs complex perspectives, the final engraving presents a straightforward depiction of mortality without intricate effects.

Redemption Amidst Death

Exploring Friendship and Ideals in the 16th Century

The Struggle with Faith and Doubt

• The emergence of doubts regarding Christian faith is noted, hinting at a growing temptation towards disbelief as societal changes unfold.

The Value of Friendship

• A new ideal of relationships emerges in the 16th century, emphasizing friendship as a powerful bond that transcends death. This perspective presents an optimistic view on human connections.

Commissioning the Artwork

• Jean de Deville returns to France in autumn 1533 with a significant painting from his London embassy, raising questions about its commissioning and funding due to its intricate details.

Possible Patronage by Anne Boleyn

• Speculation arises that Anne Boleyn may have commissioned the artwork, particularly given its connection to her recent coronation at Westminster Abbey, suggesting it could be a lavish thank-you gift for supporters.

Historical Context and Consequences

• Despite initial triumph, Anne Boleyn's fate turns tragic within three years as she faces disgrace and execution. Concurrently, Henry VIII's excommunication leads him to declare himself head of the Church of England.

Lives After the Painting