Rembrandt: A Life in Self-Portraits

Kenwood House Volunteer, John Hayward, gives an online talk on the self-portraits of Rembrandt (1606 – 1669). Arguably the most famous of these, ‘Self Portrait with Two Circles’, c1665-1669, hangs in the great art collection at Kenwood House, London. John Hayward’s talk entitled ‘Rembrandt: A Life in Self-Portraits’ examines Rembrandt’s artistic development through his depiction of himself, and seeks to uncover the motivation behind Rembrandt’s prolific output of self-portraits over his lifetime. In addition to looking at the great self-portraitist’s techniques, Hayward also explores the depiction of character and personality, one of Rembrandt’s most fundamental themes. Introduction and fade out music: Jean-Baptiste Lully, composed 1669-70 for the play of the ‘Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme’ by Molière, performed before Louis XIV and his court in 1670. Produced by Friends of Kenwood www.friendsofkenwood.org.uk