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Rembrandt was 32 and Saskia 26 when they purchased a large house and premises in the Breestreet in Amsterdam. The contract dates from 1639. The house formed a part of their marital community of property.   

Seventeen years later, in 1656, Rembrandt transferred the house to his son Titus. Until 2019, it was assumed that Rembrandt indeed transferred ownership of the house to Titus and by doing so, he harmed the interests of his creditors.  

The question arose whether Rembrandt wanted to harm his creditors or whether he wanted to take care of the future of his partner Hendrickje, their illegitimate child Cornelia and his son Titus. This legal event has been extensively studied and debated in the literature.  

There are several theories and questions as to whether creditors had the right to annul this transaction (which took place so close to Rembrandt’s filing for insolvency.  

These two questions are at the heart of my podcast today.  

Was it a transfer of ownership of the house to Titus?  And did Rembrandt harm the interests of his creditors.  Welcome to the Valhalla of unanswered questions surrounding Rembrandt's life! 

1.    Idea, research, author, and narration: Bob Wessels:  linkedin.com/in/bobwessels
2.    Artwork, editing, production: Jan Wind:  linkedin.com/in/janwind-videomaker
3.    Artwork based on the bookcover of ‘Rembrandt’s money’ designed by Teun Okkerse: linkedin.com/in/theun-okkerse-516130b
4. Copyright accountability:
Music: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (orchestra) - Thomas Beecham (conductor) The Salomon Symphonies (Volume One) — Capitol Records, 1958. GCR 7127. Copyright Public Domain - Source: Internet Archive - Public Domain
Artwork for this episode:
Amsterdam archives

1. Welcome: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com
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2. Website: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com
3. Sources: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com/sources/
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For a few years I did extensive research, leading to my book of Rembrandt’s Money. The legal and financial life of an artist-entrepreneur in 17th century Holland. The first edition of the book Rembrandt’s Money, published in autumn 2021. It is nearly sold out. See https://webshop.rembrandthuis.nl/nl/rembrandts-money.htmlOr: https://shop.wolterskluwer.nl/Rembrandt-s-Money-sNPREMBMON/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5p09qw-mnSxvfLuexD9n-MFLvE_EABhlDHGVEMVes2b2ygNNeyMim-BoCqbgQAvD_BwE