No-Code Digital Storytelling Example: Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait at Kenwood House

In a previous post, we received an introduction to “scrollytelling” and visual storytelling platforms for museums. This post continues our exploration of storytelling platforms with the review of a second no-code example: “Rembrandt: Self-Portrait with Two Circles,” a digital exhibit created by English Heritage’s Kenwood House.

Kenwood opens the story with Rembrandt’s self-portrait in motion. As you scroll down the prescriptive linear pathway, there are additional paintings and large text to continue the story. 

Details of Kenwood’s Rembrandt Exhibit 

• Online Exhibit: Rembrandt Self-Portrait with Two Circles 
• Institution: English Heritage’s Kenwood House 
• Digital Publishing Platform: Shorthand 

Storytelling Infrastructure 

The storytelling infrastructure for this example is: 

• Story Path: Linear Pathway 
• Storytelling Performance Types: Written, Visual 
• Sensory Setting: Color 

A still photo from “Rembrandt Self-Portrait with Two Circles.” Source: English Heritage’s Kenwood House, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/history-stories-kenwood/rembrandt-self-portrait/. This image displays the landing page image for the Rembrandt online exhibit. 

Storytelling Tools: Hot Spots Paired with Deep Zoom 

Zoom display functionality isn’t directly offered in the story; however, it is paired with hot spot functionality (as seen in the Hoover example in a previous post). In this example, the tool follows an x-ray image of the painting with text describing the differences in the version revealed by the x-ray versus the finished result.  

The information provided by the hot spots focuses on painting techniques. There are seven hot spots in total; that number does not overwhelm visitors with too many options for information. 

A still photo from “Rembrandt Self-Portrait with Two Circles.” Source: English Heritage’s Kenwood House, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/history-stories-kenwood/rembrandt-self-portrait/. This image displays a hot spot engagement tool that offers visitors the ability to click on specified areas of the painting to learn more about the artist’s technique.  

Storytelling Tool: Explore More  

The final tool is an “Explore More” grid that follows the conclusion of the story. Each story suggested at the bottom is a separate and stand-alone story from the Kenwood collections. The options offer a focus on popular people or a broader overview of collection areas. 

A still photo from “Rembrandt Self-Portrait with Two Circles.” Source: English Heritage’s Kenwood House, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/history-stories-kenwood/rembrandt-self-portrait/. This image the “Explore More” section at the bottom of the main online exhibit page. There are 6 tiles that contain images and suggested topics to browse next. 

Prescriptive Paths and Passive Dynamism in Digital Storytelling 

Kenwood’s inclusion of only a few artworks and one engagement tool within the story matches the simplicity of the prescriptive linear pathway. While there is only one call for engagement within the story, the animated deep zoom areas of the artworks offer a “passive dynamism” to the story.  

The additional incorporation of the X-ray image offers an interesting break from the rest of the visuals and is a rare “behind the scenes” glimpse into the artwork. The overall effect is an enjoyable and easy-to-consume story pathway with options for additional stories offered at the end of the path.