Rembrandt’s Money, The legal and financial life of an artist-entrepreneur in 17th century Holland offers a comprehensive overview of the legal and financial aspects of the life and work of Rembrandt (1606-1669). This topic has rarely been the subject of systematic legal-historical research. The author is the first to investigate the financial and legal aspects of Rembrandt’s life, including the many legal disputes and conflicts which have occurred or have surrounded him during the larger part of over forty years of his private and professional life. These concern his private life as well as his work as an artist – from a young master in Leiden in the mid-1620s, to a celebrated entrepreneur in the third and fourth decades of 17th century Amsterdam, culminating in financial distress in the latter part of his life.

Along the way, the book also sheds light on on the socio-economic, cultural and historical context of the period covered and the environments (citizenry of Amsterdam, complex religious circles, business network) Rembrandt interacted with. The reader will reach a deeper understanding of the local and social Amsterdam history and a part of its local legal system.

Rembrandt: a legal-historical perspective

Legal-historical research of the 16th and 17th in the Netherlands and Flanders is on the rise. This book fills a lacuna and adds to the growing interest in the better understanding the financials and legal aspects of Rembrandts life, including its wider background of art, society, trade and commerce in 17th century Dutch Golden Age.

The book will firstly appeal to legal and financial professionals interested in ‘Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age’. Secondly, it’s of interest to anyone who, in addition to Rembrandt’s artistic work, wants to reach a deeper understanding of the business side of Rembrandt’s profession. Lastly, the publication will also appeal to enthusiasts and collectors who are interested in Rembrandt himself, including art historians.