RM24009 - Geertje Dircx

05/16/24 • 23 min

This we didn't know until the 1960s: Rembrandt had a relationship with his housekeeper and caretaker of his son Titus. Her name was Geertje Dircx and she was about four years younger than Rembrandt.

It was shortly after Saskia's death. Geertje Dircks became Titus' caretaker in 1642. Rembrandt began a relationship with her. Later, this relationship became a thorny path full of legal disputes. That lasted until the mid-1650s. Geertje is listed as one of Rembrandt's creditors.
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:
Geertje Dircx in bed, 1647, National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/

1. Welcome: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com
1. Blog: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com/blog/
2. Website: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com
3. Sources: https://www.rembrandtsmoney.com/sources/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rembrandtsmoney/
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

Send us a text

This we didn't know until the 1960s: Rembrandt had a relationship with his housekeeper and caretaker of his son Titus. Her name was Geertje Dircx and she was about four years younger than Rembrandt.

Previous Episode

RM24008 - Rembrandt’s house and studio

Send us a text

Welcome, or welcome again. In this episode of Rembrandt's Money, I'll tell you about the house Rembrandt purchased in 1639. Spoiler alert: You can visit that house now: In this Rembrandt House Museum you can follow Rembrandt's life with new exhibitions every time. But, before you go... In this podcast I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this house itself: the age, the neighbours at that time and... the big point of contention among experts: did Rembrandt pay too high a price when he bought it?? Yet another fascinating Rembrandt story.
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:
https://www.rembrandthuis.nl/en/

Next Episode

RM24010 - Transferring the house to Titus

Send us a text

Welcome or welcome back again!

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