Facing Now: Why Portraits Still Matter with Simon Schama | Sotheby’s and Intelligence Squared 

Join historian Simon Schama, curator Eleanor Nairne, and Sotheby’s expert Helena Newman on an exhilarating journey through the fascinating world of portraiture. From the ancient origins of portraiture in Graeco-Roman Egypt to celebrated artists like Rembrandt, David, Klimt, Freud, and contemporary figures such as Jenny Saville and Julianknxx, this talk explores the enduring allure and complexities of portraiture.
Using a stunning collection of images, Schama, Nairne, and Newman invite us to examine their chosen portraits with fresh eyes. Does portraiture serve as a way to confront our fears of mortality and impermanence? How do we unravel the dynamics between the artist, the sitter and ourselves as viewers? And in an era of shifting identities, does the traditional notion that a portrait captures the essence of the sitter still hold true?
This event was produced by Intelligence Squared and took place on Monday 19 June as part of Sotheby’s celebration of portraiture, to coincide with the reopening of London’s National Portrait Gallery in June 2023. Highlights from Sotheby’s Summer Season include a loan exhibition, Portraits from Chatsworth (30 May - 4 July) and the London Sales (20-27 June). Visit sothebys.com to find out more.
Want to see more videos and virtual events?
✅ Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: www.youtube.co...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligence Squared has established itself as the leading forum for live, agenda-setting debates, talks and discussions around the world. Our aim is to promote a global conversation that enables people to make informed decisions about the issues that matter, in the company of the world's greatest minds and orators.
Follow Intelligence Squared on:
👉 Facebook page: / intelligence2
👉 Twitter page: / intelligence2
📌 Website: www.intelligen...
#intelligencesquared #intelligencesquaredplus #iq2 #portaiture #art #sotherbys #eleanornairne #helenanewman #rembrandt #klimt #frued #contemporaryart