The Ambassadors

In reading about this painting, I learned that some people think that there are three levels symbolizing heaven, earth, and death--- or hell I guess. I also learned that several of the objects on the shelves represent France and therefore the implication that the men in the portrait will remain loyal to their home while living abroad. The broken lute string represents something bad-- not too sure what. Something to do with current events maybe? The books can represent enlightenment in religion and learning, and the skull represents mortality.