Cocktails with a Curator: Rembrandt's Self-Portrait

In this week’s episode of “Cocktails with a Curator,” Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator Xavier F. Salomon discusses the life of the celebrated Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn by examining his largest self-portrait, the centerpiece of a room devoted to Rembrandt on the second floor of Frick Madison. Painted when he was deep in debt and facing financial ruin, the artist nonetheless presents a grand vision of himself. This week’s complementary cocktail is a whiskey sour.
To view this painting in detail, please visit our website: www.frick.org/rembrandtselfpo...

[@frickcollection]

FEATURED COCKTAIL: Whiskey Sour (whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice); the mocktail is lemon juice and maple syrup, on ice. To reserve your tickets to Frick Madison, visit: www.frick.org/madison-tickets To become a member today, join at www.frick.org/membermar21 and get two months free Get the Frick at your fingertips. Join our email list for art, events, and museum and library news straight to your inbox. Sign up: thefrick.org/enews

[@natashapetrovsky2935]

Every time I listen to Cocktails with a Curator Mr. Xavier F. Salomon, my self-esteem and mood are going up. It is such a privilege to bask in the waves of these intelligence, sense of beauty and deep knowledge. You help me to get through this rough time. I am waiting each Friday like a little holiday. Thank you from Canada.

[@davidpajakowski8968]

Thank You for all you have done to make the past year bearable !!!

[@belkysherrera9047]

Excellent choice of painting. Rembrandt's Self-Portrait is a call for resilience, something we need very much these days. Thank you The Frick Collection. Looking forward to visiting again soon.

[@barbararey-constantin5679]

I don't drink alcohol, but the works of art and their history have really help transform the last year in quarantine. Sincere thanks to all who make these videos possible. :)

[@christinarimmer3455]

I love Mr Soloman’s descriptions and explanations. I find them fascinating, and his interest and familiar with his topics is very, very clear. What a delight!

[@ginacrusco234]

I have stood in front of this self-portrait and communed with Rembrandt across the centuries, just as you describe.

[@highseasailing8624]

Thank you so much for this series! My indulgence first thing Saturday morning in Sydney! Alas not able to come to the Frick, this series opens our minds and imaginations with no limits, while we are limited physically. Thank you.

[@dwightgrotte2854]

I’m reminded of your recent comments about Cimabue and the burden of pride. In the painting Rembrandt projects the trappings of greatness, although the expression on his face is the realization that he has lost them. Thank you once again for explaining these great works.

[@peakimages]

Please do not stop these wonderful presentations... I no longer live on the east coast, but in a small town in northern Minnesota. I have donated to your fundraiser and would love to see these wonderful tapes and cocktails every week until the end of time. :)

[@leahlenney5717]

I completely agree with our Minnesota neighbor. I live in Larchmont, a suburban town about 17 miles from the Frick’s present venue and I cannot imagine a Friday evening without the presence of Mr Salomon and Ms. Ng. Since we have all lost so much please allow us to rely on this gracious new tradition.

[@peakimages]

@@leahlenney5717 My first cousin's family lives in Larchmont and we visit there regularly. A wonderful community! I did not know it was so close to the Frick's new venue!

[@lindabarry7867]

Thank you for this really charming lecture. Your love of Rembrandt comes through more strongly than in other lectures you have given on other Frick possessions. Rembrandt must have had a wonderful sense of humor. And yes, a defiant nature. He proved his talent and had his success when he was still young and healthy enough to enjoy it. I’m sure he took his failures like a man and like the giant he was.

[@judithricca6915]

I visited Frick Madison last Friday the 12th of March, and the works of art take on a new life in these very different surroundings. The Rembrandt self-portrait riveted me in place along with other visitors. A bench was placed in front, and I can assure you that it was being used by myself and others to contemplate this image - of course we were 6 ft. apart! I am very much looking forward to another visit in the near future.

[@joanbegun1009]

Thank you for this program.

[@jeffspringut7838]

Xavier, you always add so much insight to these works of art. Thanks ever so much to you and the Frick for keeping art in our lives over this past year!

[@davidserxner8786]

I was just home for my birthday a couple of weeks ago and went to visit Frick Madison. It was much different from 1 East 70th. You get to see the art on a bare wall: no cloth, no paneling, no adornment behind it. So all you see is the painting in front of you. It makes a world of difference in how you look at things. To have this portrait on a wall on its own makes it even more powerful. There is a bench in front of the portrait. I sat there just looking at Rembrandt's eyes for about 10 minutes. It was powerful. Those eyes are simply amazing: they are deep and they look right out at you and you can tell that those eyes have seen a whole lot. I said to the guard (a very nice lady, all of the guards were nice!) that those eyes are incredible. And she agreed with me. I asked how much the guards are taught about the art they are surrounded by and responsible for tending to each day. The answer pleased me, it is good to see that the Frick's commitment to education runs across the entire staff.

[@marieanneaffre1802]

I like so much NY muséums...and Thank you so much for a breath around Rembrant ..I like so much of Corse..It's Feel good hear you talk about Rembrant Thank you very much Mr. (Painting is my life ) From France .💖🎨

[@OhHel65]

Because of you and Aimee Ng, I have become a member and plan to travel to NYC soon. Looking forward to seeing this portrait in person.

[@christopherwilson4039]

Loved this -- and the whole series from the Frick. Thank you to Dr. Salomon and his colleagues for these brilliant videos, a highlight of art history during the pandemic. These Frick paintings feel like old friends -- ones whom I've missed for the past year, with no visits to NY. I look forward to seeing them in their temporary setting, especially this image of Rembrandt as the wise, accomplished -- though wearied -- gentleman in all his finery.

[@barbarabarry3799]

The 'Cocktails with a Curator' series has been an excellent way to reach out to the public during the time the Frick was closed. It is also fitting that just as the collection is open in its new space Xavier Salomon gives an insightful discussion of one of the greatest works in the collection, Rembrandt splendid and moving self-portrait, and how life and art are not necessarily in tandem.

[@nanmcelroy2694]

What a gift these presentations are, thank you, thank you for continuing them one year on. Here's to being able to see the Frick's works in person again one day!

[@pchabanowich]

This is sublime, and words shrivel and die before me. His gaze does the searching of the viewer, sparing one none of his powers. The set of his lips holds, for me, a sweet knowledge which we cannot suspect or elucidate. Thank you as this stands as one of my favourite paintings.

[@rosemarycaruso9071]

Utterly brilliant. I never knew, maybe I should, that Rembrandt died a pauper. I learnt that, along with so much more, this evening thank you Xavier once again for a wonderful and informative lesson in art history.

[@chriscaughey1103]

Thank you for the art being shown, in fact all of the art shown from the last year. The images have given a sense of peace, excitement, and beauty which I have been so thankful for every day.

[@celiasantosmedeiros1283]

Thank you, Xavier , for this wonderfully lecture! Good evening from Brasil.

[@Leebearify]

So much can be read into the eyes and expression of that last painting. Amazing, you can almost hear him talking to you. Thank you for this wonderful time, Xavier.

[@bagsjr1]

Wonderful discussion Mr. Salomon. Thanks so much.

[@Sophia-zk3tw]

Love this programming...it’s the only one that I consider having a cocktail at home alone ... cheers

[@hildeheijs2542]

Hello from Dublin, looking forward to this evenings cocktail

[@user-ju2kb8mu7w]

same luv, polohz

[@tedclemens4093]

Thank you. Kenyon Cox nails it. Your putting the painting into its historical context was enlightening; and supports his view. I love paradox.

[@lucanardecchia2859]

Thank you for the past year togheter. Your Friday lessons have helped us to bear the pain and the fear of those days. Saluti dall'Italia.

[@roryrussell3024]

With much gratitude for this weekly deep nourishment. Thank you for the uplifting experience, Xavier.

[@abbyintaiwan905]

Only my utmost appreciation for cocktails with a curator at the Frick.

[@annefarrell7564]

Extraordinary 21 minutes of Rembrandt. What could be better? Please don't stop these wonderful talks, even post-pandemic.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

At last! One of the most beautiful Rembrandt's, and one master speaking about the Master Painter. Like Shakespeare and Mozart, all humanity is emanating from his work. Thank you Mr Salomon.

[@sharronboxenbaum7392]

Enjoyed this very much!

[@marieklynch7429]

So moved by this presentation. Thank you! I have stood in front of this incredible painting many times and marveled at it, the hands, the head, the chair, costume and walking stick. Drank it in just enjoying the visual experience. Will now be looking with new detailed knowledge of the artist's time and life. I do choose to see him as a plucky artist taking what life has dished out and immersing himself in his art to overcome on canvas. To our wonderful good luck!

[@ejay403]

Thanks for another fabulous talk about a beautiful painting. Whenever I have looked at it over the years at the Frick, I always have felt belittled by it. Now I am beginning to understand why.

[@richardpalumbo1405]

In the important book, Rembrandt: Life and Work, Jakob Rosenberg writes: “Why did Rembrandt show such an untiring interest in his own features?…Rembrandt seems to have felt that he had to know himself if he wished to penetrate the problem of man’s inner life….In this constant and penetrating exploration of his own self, his range went far beyond an egotistic perspective to one of universal significance.”

[@susprime7018]

I'd rather look at Albrect Durer.

[@johntuffin3262]

Thank you Xavier. Your talks are always good but you surpassed yourself with this. I hope that one day I’ll be able to cross the Atlantic again and visit the Frick.

[@kishdanilo]

Thank you for this deep, insightful analysis of the Rembrandt’s self-portrait at the Frick. I look forward to seeing it in a new setting. The contradictory aspects of painter’s reflection on his self-image; the way in which the play of light and dark accentuates his facial expression; and the historical circumstances and economic hardships that surround the creation of this mature work are beautifully interwoven in this episode.

[@tracystone2996]

This is a marvelous series. Bravo to the curatorial staff of the Frick for your inventiveness, your imagination, and your knowledge.

[@patriciamaher360]

Such an enjoyable experience each week, Thank you

[@bresejo]

That was really enjoyable, thank you. Looking forward to seeing this in person

[@janetthomas8244]

Thank you so much for helping us through these times. Can't wait to come to Frick Madison, when I feel it is safe to travel from downtown. Kind of sad. But soon I hope.

[@EricaNernie]

Thank you, thank you , thank you Xavier. Wonderful insights. Hoping to get to NY soonish (from Australia).

[@alixnicoll6280]

I am longing to stand in front of so many of the great works of art that I have introduced to while living through this strange time of Covid -in my dreams I am packing my bags and heading to NY to visit them all - they seem like old friends in many ways and I look forward to meeting them face to face when travel allows me to again be in New York - your series is a joy and I thank you so much for all that I have learned.

[@Snuggelbubs1]

Having watched so many of these videos, I thought maybe today I'd write a note of thanks for so many entertaining, erudite, and somehow soothing half-hours through these months. THANK YOU! And then suddenly a quote from Kenyon Cox! Two portraits by his wife Louise are hanging in the room next to me here in Oslo, painted by her in Rome in 1920, bought by me in Washington DC ca. 1988, moved with me to NYC, and moved with me again to here. So eager to see Frick Madison next time I'm in NYC!

[@thomasheffernan4565]

Dr. Salomon another wonderful presentation. The Frick Madison is wonderful. Thank you and you staff for the sensitive displays. I have one minor point: I found the Rembrandt hung a tad higher than it was in the Frick and had difficulty in establishing the same relationship I have had with the portrait. A quibble but Frick Madison wonderful. Thank you.

[@luciemedici]

Yeahhhh Xavier is here 😊

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

Thank you love..🕊🇺🇲💕

[@tomson70]

Ones again; this wonderful talks keep me over the surface. I am so greatful. When the times come to travel over seas again, I will surely spend many days at the Frick collektion. Greatings from Sweden! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jamesallison4875]

Great presentation. I spent a little time in Holland and was struck by the absolutely realistic stoicism of the Dutch. That is what I take from this picture... a man who faces his fate without emotionalism or self pity or a false optimism. A very brave aspect indeed.

[@sdamoros]

Another enjoyable and intimate discussion of a great work of art, and the artist who painted it.

[@opera93]

Thank you, interesting overview... as an Artist ( struggling in my little output & work) I,have always appreciated Rembrandt’s Work... **Anyways, I first seen one ( some 30-40 years ago??) of His self -portraits , @ INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM, in THE ELI LILLY Rooms : a small “ dark” flash of paint dabs, and kind of marvelous......

[@HR-pb4bf]

Wonderful painting and description. Thank you.

[@francescowell7025]

Thank you so much, such interesting insights.

[@patricialewinska1351]

Thank you once again for another highly informative and fascinating presentation. It was so moving to see the face of such a famous artist at a time in his life of so many difficulties and wonder what he was thinking and projecting. I wish I could visit The Frick at Madison but living in the UK I fear it may be a while until that is possible but I wish you all the very best in its temporary home.

[@carlaroberts4969]

Thank you so much.

[@jsb7975]

What a beautiful insight you give us here !!

[@GeorgiaEBinns]

Thank you!

[@ekaterinipapathanassiou8042]

Good evening from Berlin!

[@steveburley5041]

Inspiring and enjoyable as always SB australia

[@teresafbrooks]

Thank you.

[@grc6671]

Cheers!

[@Whoiskevinjones]

Although I never intend to travel again to the "woke" city of Manhattan, these videos give me an opportunity to revisit what I once loved about NYC.

[@ritabiro5105]

Mr.Salamon my congratulation for opening your new Frick exhibition in 70 avenue Madison in New York.Concerning rRembrant is not my favorite but also a great master amoung others.

[@trekkerdave4028]

What a fabulous painting and talk, thank you! Perhaps Xavier could address Rembrandt's right-handedness in further detail. Many artists, perhaps most, paint their reflections, which might mean that the right hand in the self-portrait is actually Rembrandt's left hand. Just sayin'...

[@bahhumbug9824]

All I could find on Zeuxis (aside from his paintings supposedly being realistic) is that he "is said to have died laughing at the humorous way he painted the goddess Aphrodite, after the old woman who commissioned it insisted on modeling for the portrait." So is that an old woman on the left there? And did Rembradt choose that theme knowing he himself was close to death? I also thought he looks like a butcher and had no idea of the exoticism of his outfit so that was a great connection that totally changed how I look at this painting. Cheers, Xavier.

[@changeshifter4852]

#sparehope

[@andrewnogal3987]

Oh no... was this the last episode?? I hope not!

[@MNKorsak]

Rembrandt the Demiurg.

[@johns.9819]

loved his portraits of jesus

[@kaloarepo288]

Just to nit pick a little Paul was not one of the 12 apostles -he never actually knew Jesus but had a vision of him.

[@christinahill8498]

I’ve never felt that Rembrandt looks grandiose here. He’s wearing one of the odd costumes he collected, as if he has no suitable clothing of his own to wear. He looks old, battered and sickly-not “grand” at all. I completely disagree with you! That said, I agree that he is one of the finest artists in the Western canon. I’ll never forget being all alone in a room with one of his works in Toronto, before any other visitors or even any guards had appeared. It was heavenly.

[@gloriapinskerportraits4801]

That is the wonderful thing about art. It speaks to each person in a different way. Rembrandt is an artist who can only be fully appreciated in person. I remember being awestruck the first time I saw his works at the MMA.

[@janejones6956]

Z

[@stijndelheij5976]

I don’t want to hate since I enjoy mostly everything that the Fricks shares, but this lecture contains quite a lot mistakes on Rembrandt’s life and oeuvre, which is unfortunate

[@meoymeoy9405]

The portrait of Rembrandt possibly is a fake. The hand holding the stick isn’t even close to the quality of Rembrandts way of painting.

[@5DNRG]

based on all that was described of him, it was clear to me he was a narcissist, and this was confirmed by the grandiosity of the self-portrait. too bad someone so talented could also be so boring.