Members' talk and Q&A
About
Holbein’s ‘The Ambassadors’ is one of the most famous paintings in our collection. It is also one of the most intriguing. Art historian Tracy Borman shares insights from her new book, ‘Holbein: The Ambassadors’, in this exclusive online Members’ talk.
‘The Ambassadors’ was painted during a turbulent time at the English court as Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church in order to marry the young Anne Boleyn. Laden with hidden symbols, clues and mysteries, the work has been the subject of intense debate among historians during the five centuries since it was created.
From Holbein’s experiences as a German émigré who rose to a position as the ‘King’s Painter’, to the two French ambassadors’ own troubles at court, this book illuminates the history of this masterpiece of the Tudor era.
‘Holbein: The Ambassadors’ is part of a new book series that focuses on beloved National Gallery paintings. Get your copy in the Gallery shops from Spring 2025.
Speaker
Tracy Borman OBE is Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She is a regular broadcaster and the author of a number of highly acclaimed books, including 'The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain’s Greatest Dynasty', 'Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII’s Most Faithful Servant' and 'Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History'.
Watch again
This online Members' event will be recorded. Recordings are usually available in your National Gallery account within three working days of the event.
This recording will be available for two weeks.
Closed captions
Automatic closed captioning is available for this event.
Holbein: The Ambassadors
Members' talk and Q&A
Free for Members
This is an online event, exclusive to Members, hosted on Zoom.
Members, please book your free ticket to access this event. You will receive an E-ticket with instructions on how to access your online events, films and resources via your National Gallery account. Only one ticket can be booked per account.
