Haus Of Holbein

The song 'Haus Of Holbein' from 'Six: The Musical' is a satirical take on the beauty standards and societal pressures faced by women during the Tudor period, specifically those who were potential brides for King Henry VIII. The song is named after Hans Holbein, a renowned painter who was commissioned to paint portraits of these women, which would then be used by the king to choose his next wife. The lyrics are filled with humor and irony, highlighting the absurd lengths to which women had to go to meet the beauty ideals of the time.

The song opens with a welcoming chorus to the 'Haus of Holbein,' setting the stage for a fashion show-like atmosphere where the women are prepped and primed to look their best. The mention of corsets, cinches, and makeup containing lead poison underscores the dangerous and painful beauty practices of the era. The line 'No one wants a waist over nine inches' is a hyperbolic statement that criticizes the unrealistic body standards imposed on women. Katherine Howard's line, 'At least your complexion will bring all the boys in,' adds a layer of dark humor, acknowledging the harmful effects of lead-based makeup while also pointing out the societal expectation for women to attract male attention.

The song continues to mock the extreme measures taken to enhance beauty, such as using urine to bleach hair and wearing dangerously high heels. The repeated refrain 'Ignore the fear and you'll be fine' serves as a biting commentary on how women were expected to endure discomfort and even harm to conform to these standards. The playful use of German phrases like 'Ja, ooh ja, das ist gut' adds a whimsical touch, contrasting with the serious underlying message about the pressures of beauty and conformity.

Overall, 'Haus Of Holbein' uses humor and satire to shed light on the historical and ongoing issues of unrealistic beauty standards and the lengths to which women are often expected to go to meet them. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an entertaining yet thought-provoking piece that resonates with contemporary audiences.