Einstein and Lorentz (The Robert H. Dicke Lecture)

Einstein and H.A. Lorentz were linked with close ties of friendship. Einstein called Lorentz a ``living work of art'' and Lorentz had deep admiration for Einstein's genius. In my talk I will further analyse the personal relationship between the two men. I will also discuss the historical relation between H.A. Lorentz's electron theory and special relativity, especially the question to what extent Lorentz can be considered a forerunner to Einstein.