Holbein's extraordinary 'Ambassadors' | National Gallery

Who were the French ambassadors so elegantly depicted in Holbein's masterpiece and how did King Henry VIII's astronomer become involved? Find out all this and more with Susan Foister, our Deputy Director and Director of Public Engagement.

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The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10.00 am - 6.00 pm and on Fridays between 10.00 am - 9.00 pm.

Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN

[drnik]

These lectures by the National Gallery are absolute gems. What a wonderful resource we have access to.

[elenavassilieva]

This lady (Susan Foister?) is such a good speaker and her English is so correct and the pronunciation is clear and perfect. Her lecture is good not only for those who are interested in Art, but also for those who are improving English language skills.

[graphiquejack]

One detail the lecturer didn't mention, the floor is in fact a representation of the cosmati/mosaic stone at the high alter in Westminster Abbey, which is where monarchs are crowned. This could be a face-value reference to the coronation of Anne Boleyn which is why the Ambassadors were in England at the time, or another reference to time and the heavens, as the mosaic is a complicated representation of the cosmos.

[RichMitch]

You can see why she's the director of public engagement. Great talk

[mattakubodimasen]

These people are basically giving full lectures aboute a masterpiece in 40 minutes.
Amazing truly

[lizmerrick]

I love Dr. Foister's presentations. She has a passion for Holbein and the history of the time. A great storyteller and art historian.

[mikenadin]

I was startled by this painting when I first saw it! I am pretty much house bound now so these excellent NG talks are a godsend.

[dillank]

This was my favourite painting in the whole National Gallery. I am glad I found this.

[robynjones]

A tour de force presentation of a tour de force painting! Clarity and conciseness with erudition. Not a pause or stumble to be heard. Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[jamessheridan]

This is my first 'trip' to the NG since 1984!. I must say that though I'd much prefer being there in person, it is a thrilling compensation to be able to observe details in close-up that wouldn't be possible otherwise. A wonderful visit in this time of pandemic.

[lisascenic]

Thank you for sharing your fascinating insights into this enigmatic painting.

[gunther]

I esp liked this presentation, the lady is a very good narrator.

[CB-vgwq]

Thank You, Ms. Susan Foister for your presentation.

[lucast]

I’m not a big art person, but I sure do love this painting. I’m obsessed with it.

[Eudaimonia]

An amazing lecture by a fascinating and erudite individual. Susan Foister is simply magnificent, much like the painting on which she is lecturing. Thank you.

[zarabwz]

Brilliant presentation by Susan Foster! Excited to see the painting tomorrow! THANK YOU FOR THESE VIDEOS!

[YY-mkti]

I originally was just here to find the Universal S thing but I ended up watching the whole video lol.

Amazed how detailed this painting is and the handful of messages it could be trying to express.

[ecyranot]

What a beautiful, beautiful work of art. And a talk to match.

[dereksmith]

A very comprehensive discourse presented in great detail. I have viewed this picture many times but found much much more to see and understand with Susan Foister's help. Thank you Susan very much.

[billthon]

We are hooked and watching all of these fantastic lectures. Cant wait to get back to the gallery and re visit all these masterpieces. Wonderful information and knowledgeable lecturers.