Modernization in The Ambassadors

The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein is infamous in its symbolic and metaphorical meaning depicting the two subjects as well as the era of the 16th century. Much debate as to what it really means is high, but the meticulous detail represented isn't.

Holbein created a high pitched clarity on the "spirits" of his age in the 16th century; the mathematical and scientific objects used to study the cosmos and heavens as well as the arithmetic of life in the era. The top shelf representing the heavens and looking up, trying to explore things outside this world religiously and scientifically, while the bottom shelf is grounded to Earth with objects that involve art and world exploration. Everything about this painting is brilliant because of its aesthetic and amazing use of oil and the symbolism that is categorized in each quadrant of the painting.

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One painting that I look at for inspiration towards creating a more modernized version of The Ambassadors is the painting created by British artist Giles Alexander who painted a modified and modern version of The Ambassadors he calls The Alternative Ambassadors.

This more modern take of the classic painting by Holbein is a strong inspiration of mine because of the significance behind the two men and the spirits on the table as well as the anamorphic addition to the painting and the same design replica of the original. From two significant men of power and importance, to the floor pattern, to the anamorphic image and the spirits on the table, to the top left corner of the image having a hidden image only visible to the most careful observer.

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With that being said, for my modernized take of the original painting I would do the same that Alexander did in terms of keeping the aesthetic choice of the classic image. I would keep the same significant pieces such as two strong figures, a table with essentials, and a strong floor (minus the anamorphic. I despise it for aesthetic reasons).

The hues wouldn't be so colorful. On the contrary, they would be winter colors and possibly secondary colors with few primary colors to emphasize certain aspects of the painting such as the spirits on the table or the two individuals. The cold colors are significant, they are representative of the somewhat negative and cold world-view that many individuals have. Many, not all, perceive the world and this country as deplorable and war-driven. This era does, however, contain individuals and ideologies that promote optimism but that is scarce with the ongoing battles of regimes, terror, and rule across the globe. Therefore, cold and semi dark hues and use of chiaroscuro is an effective way to really show how despite the world being surrounded in darkness and pessimism, there is still a light of hope especially with the significant figures i would place in the painting.

Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey. Though debatable, these two individuals are the type of optimism that the world needs and thankfully has. These two would be the figures of importance I'd select to put in place of the two Ambassadors. One male and one female. One, who calling a genius would be an understatement, is a man of deep philosophical and intellectual ideas that has created incredible scientific achievements that will resonate for generations to come. The other, who calling an influencer would also be an understatement, is a woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life and succeeded in doing what she loves best; motivating people, endorsing positive change and being a humanitarian is the mark she'll forever leave in this world. Both of these important figures are a reflection of society and, just like the original Ambassadors, shows the Earthly and Heavenly side of humanity; one side looks up to the heavens in need to explore the cosmos and use science in their life of discovery while the other side is grounded and involved in humanitarian work that benefits people of Earth. I can go on a rant on why Elon Musk is such an important figure in todays era but it would be a five page essay that would bore anyone to sleep. Oprah has so much influence and humanitarian achievements to so many that it's too much too mention. Therefore I'll leave it to you, the reader, to do your own research. Just know that Musk is a man of science whos created an aerospace company that rivals NASA, created an automobile company that uses electricity as a source of fuel, and is responsible for creating machinery that promotes green energy across the world. Winfrey is a humanitarian that is known for overcoming sexual abuse in her childhood, obstacles that only African Americans face in the US, and donated to multiple charities through her fame as well as create schools for those in need. She is an influencer and optimist that invokes charisma in anyone that listens to her speak.

A man and a woman is the perfect choice because it shows the slow but progressive movement that is becoming of the world. Though much of the world is dominated by men, women are of great importance and slowly dominating the world as well. Women have achieved so much and their empowerment is equally as great as that of any man has invoked in society. Secondly, on a more negative tone, the reason for a man and a woman is to show division. Opposites. A battle. The world is so divided today, especially in this country, so the idea of a man and a woman to be present in the painting is important and crucial in presenting that notion of division in the world.

The objects on the table would represent what the two individuals stand for and are known for which also reflects The Ambassadors. The top shelf would also include tools of science and political influence that point towards the sky which signifies that society is looking to the cosmos and in desperation to explore space and conquer the galaxy and solar system. Such elements can be a spaceship model which signifies that humanity is ready to dominate alien homes and explore the cosmos in hopes of finding life beyond humans and homes other than Earth. Another important feature can be a high tech telescope pointing to the sky which reinforces the notion of space curiosity and exploration. A star and planet toy/model can be in the top shelf which hints to science and the deep infatuation Elon Musk has for planetary and scientific objects. The bottom shelf would be rooted to Earth with more artistic and humanitarian tools that signify the movement of creating equal rights and protection for humans globally. Items that may be included are books, tangible religious symbols to represent that humanity heavily relies on religion to find meaning in life and create a sense of motivation for many. Our age today is split in two. Division is embedded in our roots, unfortunately, and to really emphasize that is important in the painting. The top shelf is different from the bottom. The man is different from the woman. The colors are opposites in hues and shade.

Similar to Alexander's The Alternative Ambassadors, the floor would be a painting of Earth, which would encapsulate the entire idea of separation in the world and bring it all together. Earth is the medium. Earth is the center point. Earth is the thing that connects us all. Half of society is invested in escaping Earth and discovering life beyond this planet and conquering others as well as expanding our knowledge on science and mathematics. The other half are rooted in Earth and want equality among all persons. To take care of Earths people first and create a safe place for all is that half's goal so a painting of an illuminated Earth is the center piece of the ground which signifies unity in the different ideologies of todays people.