It was impressive, the skull perspective shift especially. It seems very modern for something close to 500 years old. I said hi to Erasmus too then had the lovely surprise of seeing some Caravaggios I first saw years ago in Edinburgh. I only wish I'd had a few days more to wander.
This is another wonderful piece. I find crowded exhibitions increasingly annoying, I'm only 5'2, and I like to read the labels but short-sighted. ..difficulty upon difficulty. But thank you so much for that wonderful close-up!
Yes, people still leave them on her tomb at Peterborough Cathedral. I don’t know what they mean in the context of this portrait though - in 1539 I wouldn’t have thought that Norfolk would have wanted to be seen wearing Katherine’s badge, so they must have had other meanings. That’s one of the reasons they struck me - I wonder what Holbein was up to with them?
Very excited to say I'll be seeing The Ambassadors in person on Wednesday morning on my short trip to London 😊
Oh wonderful. I hope you have a great visit. It’s an extraordinary painting. I look at it and think “How did he DO that???”
It was impressive, the skull perspective shift especially. It seems very modern for something close to 500 years old. I said hi to Erasmus too then had the lovely surprise of seeing some Caravaggios I first saw years ago in Edinburgh. I only wish I'd had a few days more to wander.
Love Holbein! My favorite part of the National Portrait Gallery.
Oh yes! Very much so.
As I prepare to dive into the ‘Wolf Crawl’ with Simon Haisell next year, this excellent piece wove in some lovely background threads. Thank you.
Thank you so much. And “threads” is so appropriate!
I couldn’t resist the cheeky play on words
This is another wonderful piece. I find crowded exhibitions increasingly annoying, I'm only 5'2, and I like to read the labels but short-sighted. ..difficulty upon difficulty. But thank you so much for that wonderful close-up!
I’m glad you enjoyed it - and let’s hope for less crowded viewings for both of us.
Oh my, your eyes got details I've never spotted so this was fascinating to read! Thank you. And your work looks amazing 😍
Thank you very much Lisa.
Bea, I’m so enjoying your work and the dimension you add to this Wolf Hall experience. You really bring the ghosts to life for me! Thank you!
Thank you Barbara - that is great to hear.
Pomegranates were one of Catherine of Aragon’s symbols
Yes, people still leave them on her tomb at Peterborough Cathedral. I don’t know what they mean in the context of this portrait though - in 1539 I wouldn’t have thought that Norfolk would have wanted to be seen wearing Katherine’s badge, so they must have had other meanings. That’s one of the reasons they struck me - I wonder what Holbein was up to with them?
It would be interesting to know. He was a canny operator so it can’t have been accidental
Hello there! I’m pleased you are here.