In 1999, the famous Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague hosted one of its most spectacular exhibitions: the self-portraits of one of the greatest painters of all times, Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). Few artists in history have painted themselves so often: sometimes making funny faces, dressed up in costumes or taking part in some dramatic event. But in the 1640’s, suddenly they stop. Rembrandt paints more landscapes and then finally returns to self-portraits, deep and penetrating as never before.
Producer: David Swatling
Broadcast: October 21, 1999 to coincide with the Mauritshuis exhibition