11/20/2023
When Hans Holbein the Younger painted the Ambassadors, sometime in the 1530s, international law was a matter of personal relations and diplomatic connections. Jean de Dintville (on the left) and Georges de Selve (on the right), both in their twenties at the time, were on diplomatic missions from France to England. The great Dutch theorist of international law, Hugo Grotius had not yet been born. International commerce was the privilege of a select number of important families and associations with branches throughout Europe, and in time, the New World.
International law has indeed changed since Holbein the Younger painted the Ambassadors. And, the best way to stay up to date is with Foreign Service Law Office, LLC.