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Episode 1

Maggi Hambling discusses her self-portrait of 1978, reflecting on its elements which include lovers, a cat, a cardsharp, a penguin and a fish, as well as the nature of portraiture.

Maggi Hambling's self portrait of 1978 was made, according to the artist, when her life was 'in a muddle'. Spiritually in love with one person but having an affair with another, the artist/subject sits centre frame surrounded by the swirl of forms - a teapot and a naked torso, a penguin and a puffer fish, a card trickster and a big tabby cat.

How do these things come together to describe a life? Maggi Hambling takes us on a tour of the picture and reflects on the nature of portraiture - from the great masters such as Rembrandt and Titian to her own celebrated work depicting her friend George Melly.

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 13 Aug 2013 22:45

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  • Mon 7 May 2012 22:45
  • Tue 13 Aug 2013 22:45

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