By Joylynn Lee
Arts Editor
The Holbein Getty art exhibit shows a creative link between personality and art.
Hans Holbein lived in the 16th century and is known for painting beautiful, candid images of diverse people. He allows viewers to get a feel of each person’s personality that he drew. It creates an exquisite experience for viewers to take a glimpse of the past.
Born in 1497, Holbein had first been exposed to art through his father. He launched his art career in 1524 but only received true recognition for being the court painter of King Henry VIII. He painted masterful pieces and unique medallions that each portrayed different styles.
Holbein had a variety of patrons that included scholars, courtiers, and much more. His art portrayed his unique vision of Renaissance art. The Holbein exhibit was first shown to the public on Oct. 19 and will be open until Jan. 22. Since Holbein was a small artist in the 16th century, many art exhibits don’t display a variety of his work, but the Getty portrays much of his underrated art.
Holbein’s painting of Thomas Cromwell features amazingly detailed textures. In Cromwell’s painting, Holbein fascinates his audience with each facial texture being shown. He shows Cromwell’s crinkled face due to a frown he’s making in court. The painting also featured a book that was beautifully drawn with gold oil paint. Holbein uses a splash of iconic elements during this time to paint this creative shot.
“The Tax Collectors” was one of the most unique paintings that was showcased in the exhibit. It symbolized how Holbein depicted men counting their revenues. He specifically chose to emphasize aggression in this painting as one of the emotions. It showed a very cramped room that brilliantly portrayed what greed and horrible thoughts can turn someone into.
“Terminus” is a displayed statue in the exhibit, and it vibrantly expresses identity. The statue was called an emblem that was specifically used to show Renaissance architecture and art. This structure symbolizes Roman gods and an entire mythological story. This item contains so many finite details to the point that there is an illusory factor.
Another peculiar painting displayed is a portrait of a woman called “Mary, Lady Guildford.” This type of portrait was a typical style in the Renaissance period. Holbein used his artistic creativity by adding certain aspects that drew in people’s curiosity. For example, Lady Guildford was drawn with a piece of grass in the center of her dress. She also has gold chains wrapped around her body and has several rings in her hand. It causes confusion within the audience, since they’re constantly wondering about the chains and what they symbolized in the past.
Holbein branched into medallions after his success in his artistic candid and portrait pieces. He chose to design hat badges and medallions. He put in bright and beautiful jewels as key means of conveying individual identity in each medallion for different kinds of officers in court. Each medallion was extremely detailed and has a personality whether it’s a bright or dark piece.
Due to Holbein’s beautiful presentation with his oil painted canvases, candid shots, beautifully painted portraits, and his vintage medallions, his exhibit “Holbein” is a masterful success. His entire unique look on art during the Renaissance makes him “a breath of fresh air” to a modern audience.
“Holbein” is currently available to be viewed at the Getty Center until Jan.9.
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