The feeling to dash through an art gallery and absorb as many beautiful paintings as possible can be overwhelming. However, art lovers are encouraged to decelerate and engage in a contemplative and meditative examination of a remarkable self-portrait during a leisurely tour across England. Over the next year, the National Trust is embarking on a journey with a Rembrandt painting from its home at Buckland Abbey in Devon, aiming to enhance the mental well-being of those who behold it.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the painting, “Self-Portrait Wearing a White Feathered Bonnet,” while seated in comfort, with an audio guide that includes a guided meditation option. Dr. Amy Orrock, a National Trust curator, highlighted the thoughtful selection of a portrait for this project, noting that the intricate details of the painting are best appreciated with time and reflection. She pointed out the richness of the artwork, from the jewelled trim on the cape to the challenging expressions on Rembrandt’s face that invite viewers to engage more deeply with the piece.
The usual museum or gallery visitor spends an average of only eight seconds on each artwork. The initiative, titled “Meet Rembrandt: A Slow Looking Experience,” aims to provide various ways to engage with the picture, encouraging visitors to explore its history through audio guides that offer insights from conservators, art historians, and even Rembrandt’s own imagined perspectives.
The tour, which commences at Kingston Lacy in Dorset, will also visit Dunham Massey in Cheshire in March 2026 and Upton House in Warwickshire in July next year. Visitors will not only learn about the painting’s history but also have the option to participate in a “slow looking guided meditation,” where they are prompted to reflect on their physical state and let their eyes wander over the painting without any pressure to discern a specific meaning.
The National Trust hopes this initiative will allow participants to step away from reality and take a moment to pause, mirroring the known mental health benefits of immersing oneself in nature. Orrock emphasizes the importance of granting oneself the permission to stop and truly look at the artwork, offering a restorative respite in a fast-paced world.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/12/relax-with-rembrandt-artist-self-portrait-slow-tour-of-england
