Listen to this episode here 1 Sources of income Rembrandt had three main sources of income: commissions for paintings, selling etches and fees from teaching pupils. We are most familiar with his paintings and etchings, commissioned by patrons or produced for the commercial market, or simply for private use. Much less is known about Rembrandt’s pupils and how he… Read More »RM24014 – Studying with Rembrandt
In my podcast on the new Town Hall of Amsterdam, which opened in 1655, I had an interesting conversation with Dr. Maurits den Hollander. In the blog text accompanying the podcast (go to www.rembrandtmoney.com, RM24012 ‘Amsterdam’s new Town Hall’), we decided to post a short summary of our discussion at the end of that text. Dr. Maurits den Hollander… Read More »RM24013 – The Chamber of Abandoned and Insolvent Estates
In my podcast on this subject, I had an interesting conversation with Dr. Maurits den Hollander. In the blog-text accompanying the podcast we decided to post a short summary of our discussion at the end of the text below. This is my description of the fascinating history of the birth of Amsterdam as a city, based on the… Read More »RM24012 – Amsterdam’s new town hall
In memory of Arnoud Noordam (23 May 1965 – 1 May 2024) 1 Rembrandt’s cessio bonorum In the first half of the 17th century, Amsterdam was an economically vibrant city. Trade and shipping earned the city a lot of money. The first signs of economic stagnation only appear after about five decades when a general economic downturn followed the… Read More »RM24011 – Rembrandt’s insolvency
Listen to this episode here Rembrandt was 32 and Saskia 26 when they purchased a large house and premises in the Breestreet in Amsterdam. The contract is dated 5 January 1639. The house formed a part of their patrimonial property. Focusing on the financial and legal details of the purchase agreement, the details can be found on my blog (podcast… Read More »RM24010 Transferring the house to Titus
Listen to this episode here At the turn of the third and the fourth decade of the 17th century, when Rembrandt was in his mid-30s, several events occurred that would have a major impact on his life. Important decisions were taken and dramatic events occurred that greatly affected his professional and personal life. In 1639, Rembrandt purchased a house which… Read More »RM24009 Geertje Dircx
Listen to this episode here In 1639, Rembrandt bought a house where he lived with his wife Saskia. Their son Titus was born there two years later. The property also accommodated his studio, his office and art shop, as well as his training facilities for pupils. It was also where he sold his own work and that of his pupils… Read More »RM24008 Rembrandt’s house and studio
Listen to the episode here. 1 Introduction Migration is something that is deeply anchored in Amsterdam’s DNA. Since the 16th century, many thousands of newcomers have settled there every year, whether refugees of faith or persons in search of a better life. And this migration is the driving force behind the enormous diversity that still characterizes Amsterdam today. How did… Read More »RM24007 Amsterdam – City of migrants
Listen to the episode here. 1 Holland and Friesland Rembrandt married Saskia Uylenburgh in 1634. The marriage must have been the talk of the town. The great painter Rembrandt and Saskia, daughter of a former mayor of Leeuwarden and a high-ranking senior administrator in the province of Friesland – their union must have received a lot of attention.… Read More »RM24006 – Rembrandt’s marriage to Saskia
During the Uylenburgh period (from around 1631 to 1635), Rembrandt’s artistic production was prolific. The numbers differ, but he must have painted at least 50 portraits, averaging one a month. He was also able to develop his skill further as a more all-round master. With three pupils a year on average, he also improved his teaching skills (his first pupil… Read More »RM24005 – Guilds and glamour