The Unsettling Secrets Hidden In Holbein's Tudor Portraits (Waldemar Januszczak)

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  • čas přidán 28. 08. 2024

Komentáře • 2,3K

  • @melissasaint3283
    @melissasaint3283 Před 2 lety +1554

    It's astonishing that such a fine and engaging art history class is free and available to us at any time. We live in an amazing time.

    • @johnjon1823
      @johnjon1823 Před 2 lety

      They highjack artwork and historical atrocities for entertainment that is, actually, propaganda and provide a merely superficial examination of things, coupled with spin representative of modern leftist currents which taint the analysis and reporting e.g. the drawings of a teenager admired for worldly knowledge, which are nothing more than common teenage angst and immaturity represented as doodles any fool would do in a boring high school class, in notebook margins when a fool is a fool as most teenagers are. They tell YOU what to think. Indeed, the entire Ministry of "Truth" is very busy these days and is busy with Newspeak at every turn. Only thing is, they are much better at it than Orwell imagined.

    • @let_uslunch8884
      @let_uslunch8884 Před 2 lety +18

      this is true

    • @toshikotanaka3249
      @toshikotanaka3249 Před 2 lety +105

      "It's astonishing that such a fine and engaging art history class is free and available to us at any time. We live in an amazing time"
      I made the same comment on another video I enjoyed about dragonflies and someone commented that I had to pay for the electricity, the computer, the internet connection etc so I needed to grow up because only children believe that things are free. So while it is indeed an amazing time in which to live, we must share that time with douche bags. 😃

    • @johnjon1823
      @johnjon1823 Před 2 lety +31

      @@toshikotanaka3249 I think a lot of people may think it is free, but that is perhaps a philosophical point of view with which others may or may not agree. People think about things differently. When they come across as rude about it, it may be, that, we tend to read into the "tone" of the response in a negative light more often than a positive light. That happens in emails and texts all the time. I think most of us kind of read into things, I know I do. But of course, they could actually be nasty.
      CZcams usually has ads, so, you pay with that time while they try to sell you something. Also, Google tracks what you watch, so you pay with some loss of privacy.
      So, while you may not lay out any money, something of worth is exchanged, ad revenue to google, your viewership information habits to target other ads which Google sells.
      So, yes it is free, but in some sense you do pay and money is made. Same with TV and radio. But as you mentioned from the "other commenter" you do have to make some outlay on your part, so he's not wrong really, even if he is rude. But again you can look at it your way as well. It kind of depends on how you make the calculus.
      Best wishes!

    • @KF-cx8bm
      @KF-cx8bm Před 2 lety +11

      Wow, you're got a lot of time on your hands

  • @stellagrau8871
    @stellagrau8871 Před rokem +18

    This is a very privilege.I am sitting at home learning about History of Art.And without having to attend classes.

  • @nuvostef
    @nuvostef Před rokem +75

    My late brother was a fine artist with works in galleries, homes, and businesses from Taiwan to Paris. One of my fondest memories is of him and I having coffee on the patio while he explained art - the materials, techniques, and symbology. Because of him I’ve come to love artists like Holbein, Caravaggio, Hopper…This channel ‘teaches’ art history like my brother did, so thank you from my heart. 💖🌹

  • @Jennifer-us4li
    @Jennifer-us4li Před 2 lety +436

    I have always loved Holbein's art. He brings his sitters to life. His attention to detail is breathtaking and in my opinion was the greatest portrait painter of all time. This was a great documentary. Thanks for posting.

    • @bscepter
      @bscepter Před 2 lety +12

      I'd rate Rembrandt van Rijn above Holbein, but I agree that he was spectacularly good.

    • @1LaOriental
      @1LaOriental Před 2 lety +18

      Difficult to rate… Goya was a masterful portrait painter who captured the essence/ character of his subjects.

    • @Jennifer-us4li
      @Jennifer-us4li Před 2 lety +5

      1LaOriental, yes he was. Especially the King of Spain and his family.

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 2 lety +7

      Well, I have to disagree with you there. Not about Holbein’s skill; he was skilled, but in my opinion not the greatest portrait painter of all time. I would award that title to John Singer Sargent, whose skill, especially his portraits of Edwardians, takes my breath away.

    • @c.a.savage5689
      @c.a.savage5689 Před 2 lety +12

      @@loditx7706 with all due respect, it is unfair to compare Holbein to Sargent. Completely different time periods. Painters are influenced by technics and trends of their time. Sargent, whom I greatly admire as a portrait painter, was no doubt influenced by Impressionism. That Holbein could create such modern portraits of his subjects in the 16th century is truly amazing. Holbein has more in common with the style of Ingres, 200 years later.

  • @vinzent1992
    @vinzent1992 Před 3 lety +843

    Waldemar Januszczak is like the David Attenborough of art, I can't get enough of these documentaries.

    • @TheStockwell
      @TheStockwell Před 3 lety +27

      His surrealistically emphatic speaking style seems to be patterned on that of the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" host. 😐

    • @lisamckennon3025
      @lisamckennon3025 Před 3 lety +5

      @@TheStockwell oh, you mean Robin Leech

    • @TheStockwell
      @TheStockwell Před 3 lety +4

      @@lisamckennon3025 I'm pretty sure Bernie Sanders was traumatized when he lost a bet and was forced to binge-watch a season of the show.
      Mr. Leach achieved mighty things: "Leach appeared in the Vice Channel series, 'Most Expensivest," with the rapper 2 Chainz. The episode, aired in late 2017 and was titled, "Viva Las Vegas." It included a scene with Leach and 2 Chainz eating blinis with caviar and syrup."
      Sadly, Leach died broke and in total obscurity. Just kidding! 😉

    • @hollywilson1524
      @hollywilson1524 Před 3 lety +2

      Amen

    • @elinasaari8581
      @elinasaari8581 Před 2 lety +1

      Exactly so!

  • @StephiSensei26
    @StephiSensei26 Před 2 lety +358

    Normally, I've commented with "Brilliant", but this episode deserves and entirely other accolade, "Spectacular"! Thank you Waldemar J.

  • @carolking6355
    @carolking6355 Před 2 lety +27

    This was absolutely brilliant. I just love the enthusiasm of the narrator. Holbein was so amazing but he must have been living on a knifes edge. What fearful times they were.

    • @paullooney2522
      @paullooney2522 Před 2 lety +1

      Yep he was lucky he dident end up in the curry as well.

  • @truepeace3
    @truepeace3 Před 2 lety +279

    Holbein captured the soul of the subject he painted. Now THAT is an art. Truly magnificent.

    • @carihislop161
      @carihislop161 Před 2 lety +7

      Exactly! You can see their true selves on the canvas or paper (except in his paintings of Henry VIII - who looks very assembly line regal). Seeing Holbein's cartoon of Henry VIII was a revelation. You can see the spiteful vindictive monster sneering at the artist.

    • @amandaflemming6205
      @amandaflemming6205 Před 2 lety +6

      Henry ateth more than his belly could take...

    • @silla-je9od
      @silla-je9od Před 2 lety +3

      @@amandaflemming6205 taketh

    • @marissashantez6051
      @marissashantez6051 Před rokem +3

      I would disagree. Im pretty sure Cromwell was a better man then Thomas Moore. Holbeing had his opinions, and does everyone else.

    • @paloma4444
      @paloma4444 Před rokem

      @@carihislop161 you are an idiot

  • @juttad2127
    @juttad2127 Před 2 lety +311

    I know this video is a couple of years old now, but I wanted to say thank you for such an engaging and thoughtful presentation on an artist I really enjoy. Your video has helped me introduce my 6 year old son to Holbein and now he wants to visit the museum to see the pictures in person. I have promised him to make that happen. Thank you!!

    • @twoofsix3b3g
      @twoofsix3b3g Před 2 lety +8

      @Jutta D I went with my husband last week to the Walker Art Gallery to see 'The Tudors' . It is promoted as a “once-in-a-generation” exhibition . We did thoroughly enjoy being able to see this full collection which included 68 works from the National Portrait Gallery Collection, alongside paintings from the Walker Art Gallery’s collection and a selection of additional loaned objects - some of which have rarely been on public display. If you are able to visit Liverpool then I would really recommend this exhibition.

    • @sr-kt9ml
      @sr-kt9ml Před 2 lety +4

      thats wonderful :)

    • @juttad2127
      @juttad2127 Před 2 lety +4

      @@twoofsix3b3g I would love to visit Liverpool, but it is a long drive from TX. *wink* As my little guy gets older and as the world comes back on line, we will be able to travel more. I am so glad you got to see it. It sounds like a dream come true.

    • @twoofsix3b3g
      @twoofsix3b3g Před 2 lety +3

      @@juttad2127 Wow Yes , the large state of Texas is a fair old distance to travel to Liverpool indeed !
      I hope that one day you can make the journey to our shores ... but please don't reserve your visit to the capital, London . There is much more to see on this little island.

    • @elsab2710
      @elsab2710 Před rokem +1

      That’s brilliant.

  • @stephenjablonsky1941
    @stephenjablonsky1941 Před rokem +15

    When you encounter a Holbein portrait face to face you are overwhelmed by its power and realism. That is the magic of great art. By comparison, what you often find in many museums is merely second rate.

  • @larskolme9740
    @larskolme9740 Před 2 lety +9

    This guy knows what he's talking about, and knows how to share it in a way that makes it interesting to the one listening.

  • @stellakowalski1
    @stellakowalski1 Před rokem +19

    I was an art history major & Holbein & Jan Van Eyck were always my favorites. And Jan Vermeer. The Flemish. Holbein’s sketches are nothing short of stupefyingly beautiful. Such a gift he was given!

    • @ingloriousbetch4302
      @ingloriousbetch4302 Před rokem +2

      To call it a gift is to completely disregard all the hard work, time, and practice an artists places in to honing their skills. They don't just wake up one day with such impressive abilities.

    • @stellakowalski1
      @stellakowalski1 Před rokem

      @@ingloriousbetch4302 what you don’t realize is no amount of hard work, time, & practice will enable you to be a gifted artist. It’s a gift that we have no say over. I know; I was given the gift. It just came out of me. I became a successful portrait artist because God gave me the gift of being one. I’ve known other people who have spent hours, days & years working very hard to be a gifted artist. They’ve failed because they did not have the gift. It’s something you are simply born with. Period. Regardless of what you say. I’ve done nothing to deserve it. It just IS.

    • @newtexan1
      @newtexan1 Před 2 měsíci

      @@ingloriousbetch4302your assessment is profoundly atheistic. You don’t deserve to gaze on true art.

  • @alisoncarney7715
    @alisoncarney7715 Před rokem +36

    Thank you Waldemar J, for this compelling explanation of Holbein’s symbolism in his masterpieces.
    I couldn’t stop watching!

  • @ninaalfa797
    @ninaalfa797 Před 8 měsíci +7

    This was immensely enjoyable and I got quite emotional with your closing statement on his artwork.
    There is nothing more enjoyable than the unspoken conversations that creators such artists, composers and authors initiate through their work that travel through time and centuries to talk specifically to us and to teach us about their stories , beliefs , experiences and emotions.
    Thank you so much for this video, I am quite moved ❤❤❤

  • @unicornsarereal8484
    @unicornsarereal8484 Před 2 lety +25

    Loved this! As a foreign national living in UK , I've learned so much in less than an hour and this was delivered in such an interesting and engaging way. Thank you. 🙂

  • @SHiggy50
    @SHiggy50 Před rokem +11

    We recently watched Wolf Hall and one of the scenes that stood out was of Holbein painting the famous Thomas Cromwell portrait.
    This was a fantastic documentary - thank you

  • @marcfedak
    @marcfedak Před 3 lety +15

    The narrator is great.... he conveys not just knowledge but also enthusiasm. And I like the bits of Renaissance Tudor era sounding music.

    • @c.a.savage5689
      @c.a.savage5689 Před 2 lety

      It would have been nice to hear something other than "Greensleeves.."

  • @ChristophersMum
    @ChristophersMum Před 2 lety +109

    Thank you for bring Waldemar Januszak's documentary on Holbein's portraits to us...such a delight to have such an enthusiastic narrator to guide us to some of the hidden aspects that captured the personalities of each sitter.

    • @grovermartin6874
      @grovermartin6874 Před 2 lety +9

      ChristophersMum, agreed. He has interwoven the extraordinary Holbein's artistry and the events of all those lives and the times so masterfully. He has presented us with his own living art.

    • @valeriebaker9512
      @valeriebaker9512 Před rokem +1

      I think that he is one of the finest presenters on television, he has a uniquely entertaining and engaging style.

  • @charliebarrow7086
    @charliebarrow7086 Před 2 lety +35

    This documentary is nothing short of spectacular. To have art and history combined in such an engaging way is seldom found. I loved every minute. Thank you so much!

  • @Qwazier3
    @Qwazier3 Před 2 lety +30

    The fact that he could paint that skull you only can see from the side makes him pretty awesomely talented.

    • @paulmitchell5349
      @paulmitchell5349 Před rokem

      ...as was the person who made the curved mirror that he used.

    • @Qwazier3
      @Qwazier3 Před rokem

      @@paulmitchell5349 Mirrors back then weren't what we have today.

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 8 měsíci

      @Qwazier: Now, about the skull I can absolutely agree. I can’t imagine how he did that, or why???FFS!

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@Qwazier3 I have to totally agree on the skull. I cannot imagine how he did that. Or even had the concept??? And why?? I don’t believe all that convoluted crap the guide was spewing. Art historians have had 300 years to play around with hidden symbolism, which no contemporary viewers would have grasped. If he was making philosophical statements with his art it was much too subtle for his times.

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 8 měsíci

      @@Qwazier3 No, I don’t think most were glass with silvered backs. Lots of mirrors were polished metal.

  • @kimberlyperrotis8962
    @kimberlyperrotis8962 Před 2 lety +266

    Holbein is so greatly underrated, probably because he’s not one of the Italians, but I think he’s the greatest portraitist, ever. The way he can capture the essence of a person in a just a few lines in his sketches is just amazing and his paintings glow with life. His portraits are so realistic and compelling, I don’t think Leonardo can hold a candle to him.

    • @Adushka1976
      @Adushka1976 Před 2 lety +8

      Leonardo left only 20 paintings half unfinished :-)))))

    • @nicolarollinson4381
      @nicolarollinson4381 Před 2 lety +3

      I agree

    • @sabine4759
      @sabine4759 Před 2 lety +14

      Henry the 8 was complaining and yelling loudly at him because he portrayed "Anna von Kleve" , the fourth wife of Henry, much prettier than she really was. Holbein waited until the King 's wrath was calming down and explained that it is usual painting princesses this way!

    • @M1710100
      @M1710100 Před 2 lety +31

      I truly can't say that Holbein is 'underrated'. His paintings might be not a part of the pop culture like Mona Lisa is, but he is renowned as a great Renaissance master worldwide

    • @olavwilhelm6843
      @olavwilhelm6843 Před 2 lety +12

      Hohlbein is huge in Germany ! And as for Portraitists , the brought up a few good ones but check out the 4 british Reynolds Romney Ramsay and Gainsborough let Alone Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun or Angelika Kauffman . I'd take one of they're works over an Italian at anytime :-) ( with the exception of artemisia Gentileschi ( amazing renaissance portraitist )

  • @gordonfrickers5592
    @gordonfrickers5592 Před 2 lety +29

    Artist to artist, painter to painter, Holbein ranks among the very greatest.
    Hats off in salute to Herr Holbein.

  • @barbaraolson600
    @barbaraolson600 Před 2 lety +8

    Amazing detail, fabrics folds, wrinkles with reflected light and shadow, talent..

  • @garypuckettmuse
    @garypuckettmuse Před rokem +10

    That story was utterly fascinating. As always, the script, the shooting, the editing and the opportunities to see these works in their museum settings on a real trip there with the host! Wow, just wow!

  • @anneb4160
    @anneb4160 Před 3 lety +166

    Hans Holbein was an extraordinary painter. Especially the portrait of Sir Thomas Moore was as detailed and realistic as a photo. Very impressive!

    • @luiscuixara4622
      @luiscuixara4622 Před 3 lety +12

      Pretty good trick, inventing photo-realism centuries before the camera ~

    • @luiscuixara4622
      @luiscuixara4622 Před 3 lety

      @Strangely Brown (!)

    • @scipioafricanus5871
      @scipioafricanus5871 Před 2 lety +5

      @Strangely Brown Yeah, I know! I mean, you're the King's chancellor, could you please shave before sitting for your portrait?

    • @moonwillowschronicle5435
      @moonwillowschronicle5435 Před 2 lety +5

      Rembrandt also had enormous talent. The tremendous care and patience he took in the painting of his subjects, especially the intricacies of their Elizabethan-style collars is unmatched. His paintings though dark and dreary were still magnificently detailed and awe inspiring.

    • @maryokeeffe3528
      @maryokeeffe3528 Před 2 lety +5

      Oh, it's fantastic. Those velvet sleeves are *amazing*, and then the tiny details like the little speckles of grey in the stubble! By contrast, to me the Cromwell portrait is a lot colder and less luminous, and I have to think that was in part down to Cromwell wanting to be painted in a particular way - the face he wanted others to see, giving away no secrets about his interior life. An Official Face for a Statesman, not a portrait of a personality. Though Holbein lets some of the personality show through, despite all that.

  • @GildaLee27
    @GildaLee27 Před 4 lety +252

    Saw another documentary by Waldemar Januszczak on early Christian art which blew my mind. He is an outstanding teacher. I want to watch everything he's done.

    • @phillipstroll7385
      @phillipstroll7385 Před 2 lety +5

      If he was a teacher he would have told that holbein traced from the camera obscura.

    • @seltaeb3302
      @seltaeb3302 Před 2 lety +2

      He speaks very different in his early programs ie posh. Which is the real one?

    • @blondelebanese9922
      @blondelebanese9922 Před 2 lety +5

      @@phillipstroll7385 He only had an hour or less, dude. Go find fault elsewhere.

    • @Coverly
      @Coverly Před 2 lety +1

      Oh yeah, the one where he explained how an entire belief system started with some junk from a souvenir stall? Just wait until you get to the Baroque or the Impressionists. ;-)

    • @maureendevries1904
      @maureendevries1904 Před rokem +1

      Me too!

  • @gr3yh4wk1
    @gr3yh4wk1 Před 2 lety +17

    Only recently got into this kind of subject and I am truly amazed at how a historian can bring, in such vivid detail, life, politics and imagery from 500 years ago. I recently watched Simon Schama's history of britain and I actually cried at the episode with Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. This documentary was truly exceptional. Bravo!

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @hr3yh4wk1: 300 years ago, still have a ways to even be 400.

  • @LaPinturaBella
    @LaPinturaBella Před 2 lety +12

    Thank you for such a thorough and entertaining lesson on Holbein. He has long been one of my Top 10 favorite artists of all time. His drawings and paintings are just exquisite. And now I also know he led an equally fascinating life, albeit a far too short life. I am grateful for this history of this talented painter.

  • @robinrainmaker7232
    @robinrainmaker7232 Před 2 lety +83

    His portraits are like photographs. What a treasure to see what these people really looked like.

    • @angusmcmillan8981
      @angusmcmillan8981 Před 2 lety +5

      They’re much better!

    • @sarah_noodle
      @sarah_noodle Před 2 lety +7

      You kind of have to take it with a grain of salt because a royal/prominent portrait is also propaganda, as the presenter noted. Like, the famous portrait of Henry shows him as a strong and vibrant monarch, when in reality, his health was starting to fail at that time of his life. However, that doesn’t discount the extraordinary detail he was able to capture. His paintings do look like photos!

    • @MsStack42
      @MsStack42 Před 2 lety +4

      Imagine if a Holbein had been around in earlier periods of History ! In 1066, or the Wars of the Roses ! Such an incredible talent....

    • @robinrainmaker7232
      @robinrainmaker7232 Před 2 lety +1

      @@sarah_noodle true, yes. I suppose I’m thinking that even though his subjects are often made to look better than they were, it gives one a good impression of just people of the time…ie their clothing, hair styles and sometimes make up. Photographic quality.

    • @funjuror
      @funjuror Před 2 lety

      @@angusmcmillan8981 We have no idea what they looked like; this is an artist's view containing his own agendas and bias.

  • @ChelseaH1
    @ChelseaH1 Před 3 lety +202

    The host’s passion is contagious. He is great!

    • @Sam-gw5pl
      @Sam-gw5pl Před 3 lety +7

      I’m binge watching at the moment 👍

    • @My2Cents1
      @My2Cents1 Před 2 lety +5

      A bit cliche and pretentious though. I guess that's something you have to have as an art historian. Seems impossible not to, because most AHs I've ever met talk exactly like him.

    • @nancyfetzek7318
      @nancyfetzek7318 Před 2 lety +1

      I'm totally besotted with the dude

    • @finosuilleabhain7781
      @finosuilleabhain7781 Před 2 lety +3

      Seems I'm in a minority of one but he drives me nuts, with the exaggerated emphasis on EVERY. SINGLE. WORD, like we're five years old. Which is a shame because it looks like a really interesting programmme, if only I could get through it.

    • @silva7493
      @silva7493 Před 2 lety +2

      He is so good.

  • @malcolmjamieson2613
    @malcolmjamieson2613 Před 2 lety +5

    What a joy it is to accompany Januszczak on his eccentric, illuminating and wonderfully entertaining journeys through the history of art. One learns so much, without having to endure dull, dry lectures:
    He has such an original imagination and vivid, lively means of expression, based on profound scholarship. Our attention is held, spellbound, throughout. Bravo! Encore!

  • @toke7560
    @toke7560 Před 2 lety +20

    I never saw the painter when i looked at the paintings of Henry etc. What an incredible man he was. What an incredible talent.

  • @Thepourdeuxchanson
    @Thepourdeuxchanson Před 3 lety +64

    The drawings he made as preparation for future portraits are as fresh as if he had made them this morning.

  • @karennorris7880
    @karennorris7880 Před 2 lety +71

    This was so wonderful. Thank you! I found it fascinating how the triptych alterpiece painted by Hans the Elder shows the father with his hand on Hans the Younger's head and his other hand is pointing to Hans the Younger. His father must have realized very early on that his younger son had an extraordinary gift.

    • @lauralake7430
      @lauralake7430 Před 2 lety +7

      I wonder what happend to the other son?

  • @tinatieden8499
    @tinatieden8499 Před 2 lety +3

    this is not what I usually watch on youtube , I loved this !

  • @philiptownsend4026
    @philiptownsend4026 Před rokem +11

    That was a fantastic documentary.
    I am presently reading David Hockney's theory that Holbein among others achieved his amazing accuracy of realism and his great speed by using the Camera Lucida.
    There is something uncanny about the superb perspectives and foreshortenings of rounded objects like limbs and musical instruments and curved naturally flat objects like paper and clothes in Holbein's paintings that DH believes impossible for a mere human to achieve with just eyes and hands.
    DH contends that Holbein used optical tools to aid his drafting and compositions. This is born out by there being more than one perspective in some of Holbein's paintings where he would have moved the Camera Lucida and unknowingly introduced another viewpoint for certain objects making them appear tipped in comparison to the surface supporting them.
    Please don't attack me personally, it is not my opinion or discovery although I agree with it. Read DHs book to understand his theory fully. It can be found as a free PDF with a little searching if you don't want to pay for the hard copy.
    I have bought a Camera Lucida, it was delivered today, and I shall do some experiments of my own with it. A fascinating subject.

    • @justineharper3346
      @justineharper3346 Před 7 měsíci +1

      I agree with this theory, and it doesn’t make me love his art any less.

  • @sabine4759
    @sabine4759 Před 2 lety +107

    Accidentally I found this documentary and because my interest for history I decided to watch it! Thank you for uploading this wonderful presentation of Holbein ́s Art. He was a great artist. His pictures seemed to be better than today's photos. I didn 't know much of his life, I only knew that he suddenly died of plague while he was painting a picture for the King.
    The host is a marvellous story-teller and he reminds me of David Starkey who has the same style talking about history!

  • @valmarsiglia
    @valmarsiglia Před 3 lety +99

    I can vouch for the sentiment regarding the portrait of More at the Frick. When I was there, up close, for a moment it really seemed like he was about to turn around and look at me, it's so amazingly lifelike.

    • @thegreencat9947
      @thegreencat9947 Před rokem +1

      I swear...i saw him breathe...and give a little smirk.

  • @boojay111
    @boojay111 Před rokem +4

    These original BBC documentaries are for me wonderful. I know I am spoilt as I watch them first on the Beeb but so brilliant to see them on this site. Well done I can now watch them as often as I like. Many thanks to all involved.

  • @rebekahdavis5935
    @rebekahdavis5935 Před 2 lety +12

    Poor Holbein, what a crazy time to live in. Your every move calculated to not get your head chopped off. He really did bring that era to life under an immense amount of stress.

  • @v.g.r.l.4072
    @v.g.r.l.4072 Před 4 lety +130

    I would like to add that his interpretation concerning The Ambassadors as a vanitas painting is deep and insightful. He is very clever and able to arouse a passion for art.

    • @melissasaint3283
      @melissasaint3283 Před 2 lety +3

      Agree, agree, agree

    • @greggcal4583
      @greggcal4583 Před 2 lety +2

      Has anyone every read the book: "Humanism and the wreck of Western Civilization"? It is no more than 150 pages but brilliant, and The Ambassadors is analyzed quite well in it. I never looked at a painting again in the same way.

    • @blondelebanese9922
      @blondelebanese9922 Před 2 lety +2

      @@greggcal4583 And who wrote it, friend

    • @MrAlexsegal
      @MrAlexsegal Před 2 lety +1

      I agree that his commentary here is good. But seeing this painting as a Vanitas painting has been common for a long time I think.

    • @antidoteify
      @antidoteify Před 2 lety

      His interpretation of the portrait of Mr and Mrs Andrews its hilarious, he has a gift to see the humanity around the art.

  • @irairod5160
    @irairod5160 Před 2 lety +8

    The bit about the broken string, the book of hymns, and the skull was fascinating. Thank you!

  • @StLProgressive
    @StLProgressive Před rokem +22

    Fascinating. I’ve always loved art history and the Tudor period. Great in-depth look into Holbein.

  • @carlycharlesworth1497
    @carlycharlesworth1497 Před 2 lety +60

    What an extraordinary artist Hans Holbein was. I didn't even know of his existence before I watched this video. His paintings of Cromwell and Sir Thomas More were incredible, down to the very stubble on his face, and so very lifelike, that as the presenter said, 'you could feel their breath.' I would love to go and see his paintings and especially the long narrow painting of the crucified Christ! That was so deeply moving. It really made me think and I suddenly felt like I had been physically there when The Saviour Jesus Christ was being buried after he'd died on the cross. What an incredible gift, why isn't his name lauded alongside that of Leonardo Da Vinci. He was certainly just as skilled! It's such a shame that some of his works were destroyed!

  • @collidingforces9589
    @collidingforces9589 Před 2 lety +49

    This gentleman is brilliant. Clear, fun and educational for all ages.

  • @ladybayside7547
    @ladybayside7547 Před 2 lety +114

    I do wish we had a Holbein portrait of Anne Boleyn.

    • @finallythere100
      @finallythere100 Před 2 lety +12

      I wish we could have seen the women w their hair... but still these paintings are remarkable, especially for their time in history.

    • @finallythere100
      @finallythere100 Před 2 lety +2

      @@alexso1842 ... ???

    • @c.a.savage5689
      @c.a.savage5689 Před 2 lety +10

      @@finallythere100 You should check out CZcams videos of Royalty Now, which discusses just that.
      Also shows modern representations of people like Anne Bolyn, Cleopatra and others based on existing artworks and what was written about them.

    • @finallythere100
      @finallythere100 Před 2 lety +3

      @@c.a.savage5689 - YES ! Seen it, and addresses what I'm sure many people have often wondered - what would they really look like!

    • @r.c.miller6161
      @r.c.miller6161 Před rokem +4

      Interesting. Do we really know that Holbein’s paintings were accurate?

  • @prichardgs
    @prichardgs Před rokem +5

    I could watch these episodes all day!!! WONDERFUL!!!!!! Thank you Waldemar!

  • @davidhertzberg
    @davidhertzberg Před 2 lety +6

    This is absolutely magnificent -- I do not remember the last time I have been so entertained on CZcams. Bravo!

  • @metteholm4833
    @metteholm4833 Před 3 lety +254

    The portrait of Thomas Moore is downright fantastic! Holbein has to be the greatest portrait painter ever!

    • @Ogma3bandcamp
      @Ogma3bandcamp Před 2 lety +18

      Google 'greatest portrait painter'. You have him ahead of some big hitters there, Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian, Vermeer, Kahlo, da Vinci.
      Safer to say, 'one of the greatest'.

    • @narmale
      @narmale Před 2 lety +5

      @@Ogma3bandcamp yeah LOL... Rembrandt alone is a VERY hard one to beat

    • @pbohearn
      @pbohearn Před 2 lety

      @@Ogma3bandcamp Velazquez, Picasso et al

    • @kmaher1424
      @kmaher1424 Před 2 lety +18

      Holbein put previous portrait painters in the shade.
      Many of the later artists mentioned were more interested in expressing themselves than making portraits.
      Waldemar wonders what Holbein could have done with greater opportunities. Or more time...

    • @catofthecastle1681
      @catofthecastle1681 Před 2 lety +2

      @@Ogma3bandcamp He was a well taught painter! No genius at all in capturing humanity, only politics!

  • @kimberlypatton9634
    @kimberlypatton9634 Před 2 lety +85

    His portraits also capture his veiled interpretation of their inner characters that he expressed in such subtle ways... If you study them greatly , you will start to feel the " vibe " and his own feelings for his subjects that are brilliantly hidden under the guise of propriety and duty for his service he had to uphold on a major degree. However his honesty shines with a tinge of insight..

    • @anndeakin6763
      @anndeakin6763 Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for your prayers today the day

    • @debbylou5729
      @debbylou5729 Před 2 lety +3

      His are the only portraits that I feel are honest.

    • @acustomer7216
      @acustomer7216 Před rokem

      I so agree! You can see from Henry's face that he's pompous & an angry unpredictable beast like a wild boar. Cromwell looks cunning and suspicious.

  • @mintonmedia
    @mintonmedia Před 2 lety +14

    Thank you for bringing Holbein to life in a creatively new--and most "spiffing"--way!

  • @davidlogansr8007
    @davidlogansr8007 Před 11 měsíci +5

    This documentary is an absolute Masterpiece!

  • @joysgirl
    @joysgirl Před 2 lety +16

    Januszczak keeps you engaged with his wonderful presentation. This was brilliant and fascinating.

  • @mena94x3
    @mena94x3 Před 2 lety +21

    I’ve never seen any of these pieces of art in person. I had no idea - especially the portrait of Thomas Moore - was so astoundingly detailed! It blows my mind, it’s gorgeous!

  • @miklosdavid7627
    @miklosdavid7627 Před 2 lety +3

    Hans Holbein the Younger, one of the greatest painters in a fascinating lecture that reveals a lot more than just showing his best pictures. Thorougly enjoyed it thanks to Waldemar Januszczak's presentation. 🙏👋

  • @randyastle3301
    @randyastle3301 Před rokem +3

    I’ve seen the Thomas More portrait dozens of times at the Frick, including now in the Breuer building, plus other royal portraits from the two years I lived in London. But this really helps put them all in historical context and that of his own career. Thanks for posting these here where a global audience can learn from them.

  • @Cartamandua
    @Cartamandua Před 3 lety +28

    I love his sketches of the court. They look like people you would meet today.

  • @DS40764
    @DS40764 Před 2 lety +26

    He seemed to capture their emotion and show us who he thought they were. In a time when they couldn't speak freely, he spoke through his art using symbolism (genius).

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 8 měsíci

      @DS40764: As I said in a prior comment, all that symbolism craptrap doled out by the presenter was exactly that. Historians have had over 300 years to study and publish their pet theories to the world and others mounted that dead horse and rode it a few more miles. If he was including symbolic messages, they were much too subtle for his contemporaries, not to say obscure. Anybody can say what they want now; he never could. We know because he was never executed.

  • @sunflowerlove60
    @sunflowerlove60 Před rokem +2

    These are the kinds of paintings I just wanna spend a day with and look at every inch, truly spectacular!

  • @marilynvanburen6780
    @marilynvanburen6780 Před 2 lety +20

    Excellent documentary and I certainly have an even greater appreciation of Holbein's artistic skills.. I lived In Reigate for many years and my children attended the Reigate Priory School which has an amazing Holbein Fireplace. The children who have attended that school and those who have worked there over many years are certainly blessed to experience such a beautiful piece of art on a daily basis.

    • @nickthelick
      @nickthelick Před rokem

      I live in Reigate, didn't know that..
      Think Pete Doherty went to Priory! 😁

  • @garrycraigpowell
    @garrycraigpowell Před 2 lety +108

    A superb documentary. I thought I knew Holbein's work fairly well, and am familiar with Tudor history too, but found lots of fascinating insights here. The critique of 'The Ambassadors' is art criticism as its best.

  • @debbylou5729
    @debbylou5729 Před 2 lety +41

    Holbein is the only artist that , I feel, gives us a truly accurate portraits. I think other painters went with capturing the looks that were fashionable at the time

    • @famprima
      @famprima Před 10 měsíci +4

      Never looked at Rembrandt? Freud? come on..

    • @rsr789
      @rsr789 Před 10 měsíci

      The religious stuff is anything but accurate, a blonde haired, blue-eyed baby Jesus? Completely unrealistic Iron Age Judean.

    • @debbylou5729
      @debbylou5729 Před 14 dny

      Rembrandt…..100 years later. Freud …..400 years later. Me….at the time. Try and keep up

  • @Angie-mm9rn
    @Angie-mm9rn Před rokem +12

    Absolutely BRILLIANT! An art lesson delivered with so much wit is not only informative but also highly entertaining!

  • @elainechubb971
    @elainechubb971 Před 2 lety +11

    Beautiful video; thank you! I was fortunate enough to see a wonderful Holbein exhibition at the Tate, about 20 years ago, that had some superb portraits. It was a collection of works not often on public view, and really showed the width and depth of his genius.

  • @oldwoman2121
    @oldwoman2121 Před 4 lety +34

    Our entire household loves Waldemar Januszczak. He is a wonderful, wonderful teacher. We've seen every one of his "Perspective" pieces and we wish there were many more! Thank you.

  • @AA-mv2nd
    @AA-mv2nd Před 2 lety +54

    All we've had regarding Anne of Cleves' looks is based on Henry VIII's own words and Holbein's portrait. I don't think that Holbein "mispainted" her; otherwise, Henry would have taken his wrath out on Holbein and would not have turned to him for subsequent work. I tend to agree with another theory, which is that what Henry actually objected was her personality.

    • @a.westenholz4032
      @a.westenholz4032 Před 2 lety +20

      The thing with Anne of Cleeves that makes the whole story odder, is how it ends. After the divorce she is given a good settlement in England, attends court, and seemingly gets along well with Henry, being called "the King's Beloved Sister". She outlived all the other wives, and was much respected at court until her death.
      So what exactly went wrong between them in their marriage is a bit of a mystery, but something does indicate it would seem to be related to one or both not relishing the idea of having sex, but otherwise having no problems with each other if not married. The other thing is I believe there is another portrait Anne that rather has same likeness as Holbein portrait (taking the different styles of portraiture into account), that would mean it wasn't the portrait that was the issue. But what Cromwell said of her and for having brought about the marriage at all.

    • @louem2491
      @louem2491 Před 2 lety +1

      I reckon pig-headed Henry resented Anne from the moment she didn’t recognise and fawn over him when they met. She worked him out pretty quickly and handled the egotistical pratt incredibly, and Mary and Elizabeth adored her.

    • @Jubilee33382
      @Jubilee33382 Před 2 lety +10

      There are several accounts of Henry's evident distaste. One was that her breasts were not the pert breasts of a young woman, but large and pendulous, there was even suggestion she was not a 'maid'. (She also apparently stank) Henry first came into her presence in disguise as a romantic gesture, which backfired horribly when she recoiled in horror at the approaches of this unattractive stranger. She recovered herself too late when he revealed himself to be the King, her revulsion shook him.

    • @bernarddavis1050
      @bernarddavis1050 Před 2 lety +14

      @@Jubilee33382 Was it not the case that Henry was already suffering from the incurable leg ulcer he got from a jousting accident? Probably if anyone stank, it was he. He was certainly no Adonis by that stage.

    • @Jubilee33382
      @Jubilee33382 Před 2 lety +3

      @@bernarddavis1050 I imagine that as bathing was actually considered bad for one's health and they just dabbed themselves with a cloth, everyone was reeking.

  • @jwport580
    @jwport580 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Januszczak's art documentaries are briliant. He weaves the history, personal stories and the technical art information into stories that are educational, humorous and illuminating.

  • @emilyconyngham9277
    @emilyconyngham9277 Před rokem +7

    Thank you very much! I've always admired Holbein and am very pleased to know much more about him, now.

  • @paulapridy6804
    @paulapridy6804 Před 2 lety +4

    I can watch this guy over and over. And I do.

  • @thedativecase9733
    @thedativecase9733 Před 2 lety +5

    I still think of Waldemar as "Waldemar Thing" as Private Eye used to call him. His talks on Art - especially Art history are always fascinating and well-informed. His explanation of the Arnolfini painting re-opened my eyes to a work I thought I already knew well.

  • @dalevanremortel5409
    @dalevanremortel5409 Před 2 lety +2

    Waldemar Januszcak, the Moderator of the Tudor portraits, does an excellent job of presenting the program. Finally an English producer who can speak the English language so Americans can understand the the words.👏👏

  • @truthsedge3098
    @truthsedge3098 Před rokem +2

    Holbein sketches were on exhibit at the NYC JP Morgan Library back in 1983. His astonishingly lifelike drawings took my breath away. Unfortunately, there were no paintings included in the collection. Those came in a more recent exhibit last year 2022.
    Thank you for this master class video. I don’t believe I’ve seen anyone else equal his great talent. Tudor England of Henry VIII was a harsh time, but Holbein left us a remarkable visual record.

  • @finch45lear
    @finch45lear Před rokem +8

    What a tragic loss when this genius died so young. He captivated me as a kid and does 50 years later.

  • @rockyroad7345
    @rockyroad7345 Před 2 lety +7

    I took a minor in art history, but this is on another level of lecturing. Enjoyed it tremendously. I'm a huge fan of Waldemar now.

    • @loditx7706
      @loditx7706 Před 8 měsíci

      I dislike art historians. Them that can, do. Them that can’t, teach. And often history is romanticized, but mostly, editorialized.

  • @thomastallerico6340
    @thomastallerico6340 Před rokem +2

    Beautiful portraits. How wonderful the way he paints velvet.

  • @grovermartin6874
    @grovermartin6874 Před 2 lety +2

    I am humbled to have been able to watch this breathtaking presentation. Thank you so much!

  • @dieterweslowski4261
    @dieterweslowski4261 Před 2 lety +11

    A trinity of informatives that keeps the listener spellbound. Plus, I love Waldemar's ability to connect what at first appears "mysterious" about paintings and painters.

  • @triskerslake3763
    @triskerslake3763 Před 2 lety +4

    Fabulous documentary on the English Tudor court. Fascinating analysis of Holbein's art. Thank you.

  • @prototropo
    @prototropo Před rokem +1

    What a great narration. And I'd just seen, and fallen in loving astonishment, with Holbein's portrait of More.

  • @blatann4953
    @blatann4953 Před rokem +2

    Superlative presentation of Holbein's artistic masterpieces.

  • @metteholm4833
    @metteholm4833 Před 3 lety +23

    WOW! I never thought, Henry 8th looked like that i "real life". Holbein was a snapshot photogapher! His portraits are unbelievable! His precision is impeccable

    • @banjopete
      @banjopete Před 2 lety +1

      You’ve never seen these paintings before?...you should get out more.

    • @scipioafricanus5871
      @scipioafricanus5871 Před 2 lety +2

      @@banjopete Probably not the best time in world history to "get out more".

    • @pectenmaximus231
      @pectenmaximus231 Před 2 lety

      @@banjopete the list of things which to others are essentials of culture, yet which you have never seen or heard of yourself, could not be read aloud in full in your lifetime, so why don’t you reflect on what a complete ass you’ve been

    • @kweejibodali3078
      @kweejibodali3078 Před 2 lety +2

      He was handsome and athletic when young, tall... he was a typical Plantagenet in physicality as well as a Tudor, his mom Elizabeth of york and paternal grandmother Margaret Beaufort, were both Plantagenet.
      Both Margaret and maternal grandmother Elizabeth Woodville were beauties in their day as well as exceptionally crafty, resourceful, and tenacious. Henry 8th, even if many dont like him, had a strong background.
      It is not surprising that Henry s daughter was Elizabeth I the Great

  • @grahamhodge8313
    @grahamhodge8313 Před 2 lety +6

    I am blown away by this. What an excellent view of Holbein.

  • @PRH123
    @PRH123 Před rokem +1

    I love the way he couches everything in the context and the history of the time, and the biography of the artist... it is so interesting beyond even the art, it is very revealing from the point of view of a historian... he does both so well, such complex themes in normal human language, without pomp and pretense, and not judging by the standards of today... brilliant as always...

  • @laurel237
    @laurel237 Před 2 lety +3

    This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. Thank you.

  • @doolittlke
    @doolittlke Před 4 lety +27

    Highest quality talk revealing unforgettable sights and details on Holbein: his art and influence on how we see Henry VIII, Cromwell, Moore etc

  • @curiousnomad
    @curiousnomad Před 3 lety +57

    I love the way Waldemar always sets you up. “ If you thought you knew... well I’m here to tell you that you were wrong!”

    • @lanceash
      @lanceash Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah, that's his whole schtick. "I'm right and you're wrong!"

  • @spamtownhamilton6200
    @spamtownhamilton6200 Před rokem +6

    This was fascinating, I've learned a great deal about the context surrounding Holbein's wonderful works. In addition to the content itself (the info presented), I found the host so engaging and entertaining; he adds so much value. I really enjoyed him and his conversational and very animated communication style. Reminds me of every favorite professor I've had ❤

  • @Minecraft-pj4hm
    @Minecraft-pj4hm Před 2 lety +4

    What an amazing insight into not just the paintings but the people behind them. Refreshing honesty.

  • @deborahstollman6238
    @deborahstollman6238 Před 3 lety +19

    Incredible artist! Thank G-d for artists like this. We learn so much about history with these works of art. I am truly grateful for these artists. Thank you for this!

  • @atomaalatonal
    @atomaalatonal Před 4 lety +223

    holbein was a fantastic painter, but his drawings are stellar.

    • @poppers7317
      @poppers7317 Před 2 lety +2

      His fantasy novels are hit and miss though.

    • @purltwotogether8218
      @purltwotogether8218 Před 2 lety +5

      I agree. They have a quality of such deftness and intimacy.

  • @sgilbert5753
    @sgilbert5753 Před rokem +2

    Utterly delightful art history lecture!

  • @equicar
    @equicar Před rokem +2

    I am so thankful for your art history class .. ❤❤❤

  • @garryhastings3383
    @garryhastings3383 Před 2 lety +68

    This amazing art historian makes it totally "real" and leaves out much of the pomposity of the art world per-se. I know, I studied art history for three years at Uni and it definitely wasn't taught this way. Great stuff and for everyone to enjoy and understand.

  • @siobhancurtis1660
    @siobhancurtis1660 Před 3 lety +15

    Fantastic documentary from Waldemar Januszczak. He is such an engaging presenter. Thank you for sharing this, I really enjoyed it.

  • @jenniferjasso5947
    @jenniferjasso5947 Před 2 lety +5

    Absolutely amazing. I have new respect for art after seeing this. Thank you for this

  • @Rovinman
    @Rovinman Před 2 lety +12

    Absolutely fascinating !
    The looks on the faces of his wives, shows a lot more than we think !
    Thank you for this revelation !

  • @cutzymccall7675
    @cutzymccall7675 Před 2 lety +31

    I'm so in love with Holbein. That first portrait of Henry VIII shows the street thug he really was. Later, he became THE KING. Because of Holbein. Thank you for this!

  • @karenhanson6837
    @karenhanson6837 Před 2 lety +15

    The narrator is a real artist. He painted a picture of Holbein using words, his body movement, setting that captivated me both visually and mentally!

  • @Alan316100
    @Alan316100 Před 2 lety +8

    As always Mr Januszczak, excellent 🙂 You bring both the painting and their artists to life in a very entertaining way, thank you.

  • @frankleicht5377
    @frankleicht5377 Před rokem +2

    You, sir, are absolutely amazing.
    I am gobsmacked and reeling from the subjects that you so beautifully and artfully present. Never in my life have I experienced such mastery and illumination as you have crafted.
    Every minute is a joy to watch.
    You have presented such great details and backgrounds that I never knew.
    Thank you ever so much for your gift and skill. I recommend your programs to all of my friends and look forward to more.