Rembrandt van Rijn is celebrated worldwide as a master of light and human expression. Less well known is his turbulent legal and financial life. In seventeenth-century Amsterdam, a city bustling with trade and art, Rembrandt was not only an artist but also an entrepreneur. His business decisions and conflicts offer an intriguing insight into the risks of entrepreneurship in the Golden Age.
During his career, Rembrandt became embroiled in more than 20 legal disputes. These ranged from conflicts with clients over portrait commissions to neighbourhood squabbles and unpaid debts. His stubborn nature and lack of administrative accuracy contributed to these problems. For instance, he hardly kept any written agreements, which led to misunderstandings and lawsuits.
Sessio bonorum: an alternative to bankruptcy
In 1656, Rembrandt asked for ‘sessio bonorum’, a legal procedure in which a debtor voluntarily hands over his assets to creditors to avoid imprisonment. This practice, rooted in Roman law, was intended for debtors acting in good faith. Rembrandt’s application led to the sale of his house on Jodenbreestraat and his art collection. He moved to a more modest home on Rozengracht, where he continued his work.
Family structures and legal strategies
To secure his estate, Rembrandt transferred his house to his son Titus shortly before his sessio bonorum. This action was seen by some as an attempt to keep assets out of the reach of creditors. Later, Titus and Rembrandt’s partner Hendrickje Stoffels set up an art gallery, in which Rembrandt was employed. This enabled him to continue his work without owning direct property, which protected him from further creditors.
Lessons for the modern entrepreneur
Rembrandt’s experiences underline the importance of legal knowledge and financial planning for entrepreneurs. His story illustrates how personal traits, such as stubbornness and lack of administrative discipline, can lead to business problems. At the same time, it shows how legal tools and strategies can be used to protect personal and business interests.
In short, Rembrandt’s life offers valuable insights into the complexities of entrepreneurship and the role of law in protecting entrepreneurs. His story reminds us that even the greatest artists are not immune to the challenges of doing business. For modern entrepreneurs, it remains essential to be not only creative and innovative, but also legally and financially savvy.
Curious about the other blogs in this blog series Amsterdam’s Trading Culture, click here, or listen to the podcast series here.
