CODART, Dutch and Flemish art in museums worldwide

Portrait of the Artist

4 November 2016 - 17 April 2017

Portrait of the Artist

Exhibition: 4 November 2016 - 17 April 2017

The first exhibition to focus on images of artists from within the Royal Collection,Ā Portrait of the ArtistĀ not only showcases self-portraits by world-renowned artists including Rembrandt, Rubens, Artemisia Gentileschi, Lucian Freud and David Hockney but also features images of artists by their friends, relatives and pupils, including the most reliable surviving likeness of Leonardo da Vinci by his student, Francesco Melzi. Well-known self-portraits intended to advertise the artist’s talents are shown alongside more intimate and personal works.

The exhibition examines a range of themes played out within these objects, from the ‘cult’ of the artist to the symbolism evoked through images of the artistā€™s studio. The changing status of the artist over the centuries is another theme and the way in which this is conveyed, both in the physical works and in the relationships between artist and patronĀ is highlighted. The role of monarchs in commissioning, collecting and displaying portraits of artistsĀ is discussed.

Portrait of the ArtistĀ contains overĀ 300 objects, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and decorative arts ranging in date from the 15th to theĀ 21st century.