Two exhibitions in one day.

On Thursday I went to see the works of the legendary master of art Rembrandt at the National Gallery. This was one of those stupendous exhibitions that you don't want to miss - there are some that you can take with a pinch of salt, but not this one. He is head and shoulders above so many. These are of his late works and they all benefit from his profound understanding of light and colour. There are a number of self portraits that are so illuminating of his humanity and vulnerability. The deft paint strokes enabling us to peer into his inner world.
The other exhibition was at the British Museum of Germany: Memories of a Nation. If like me you've been following the German story on Radio Four by Neil MacGregor the director of the British Museum then this show will enhance that understanding to greater depth. I lived and worked in Germany in 1964 and fell in love with the its various geographies and people. When King George I came to England his was struck by that fact that there was only one coinage, whereas in Germany at that time each state had its own coin and was self governing. There was no central state unlike in  Britain. He found this initially bewildering. However he soon put his stamp of this country and we are all the beneficiaries of the Georgians today. Two exhibitions that are well worth the effort of seeing.