One of Rembrandt’s greatest, best-loved and most famous paintings, a self-portrait in his old age, has pride of place in Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath and was given a new display in October to commemorate 350 years since the Dutch master's death.
On Monday, English Heritage and the Friends of Kenwood organised a discussion on Rembrandt between Lord Melvyn Bragg and fellow enthusiast Sir Simon Schama at Kings Place, the Jewish Book Week venue in King's Cross, London.
Even though, unusually, neither has a current book to promote, these public intellectuals (and Oxbridge History graduates) are highly accomplished performers, equally comfortable addressing a live audience, speaking into a radio microphone or talking to a television camera.
The large audience was certainly appreciative of Sir Simon’s unscripted insights into Rembrandt’s genius. It’s 20 years since he published Rembrandt’s Eyes, and he remains certain that the Dutch master’s position at the summit of the premier league of great artists is secure.
