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1642: Rembrandt starts a passionate affair with his maid. With devastating consequences…
Rembrandt’s Promise
What you need to know before your trail
The Dutch Golden Age is underway, with Amsterdam at the height of its powers. Geertje, an impoverished widow from Edam, enters a melting pot of wealth and culture when she becomes nursemaid in the house of renowned painter Rembrandt.
After Rembrandt’s wife dies, Geertje grows close to him. Despite her friends’ warnings she begins a passionate affair with the master of light and shadow, with devastating results.
Locations
Reset- Netherlands - Holland - Amsterdam
- A: Rembrandt House Museum
- B: Rembrandtplein
- C: Jodenbreestraat
- D: Kloveniersburgwal
- E: Zuiderkerk
Travel Guide
Amsterdam
There are references to Leiden and Edam but the main focus of the novel is Amsterdam in its Golden Age
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker. It is estimated he produced a total of about three hundred paintings and many more drawings and etchings. When his wife Saskia dies, widow Geertje Dircx was hired as the baby Titus’ nurse. Soon after she also became Rembrandt’s lover. In May 1649 she left and charged Rembrandt with breach of promise and asked to be awarded alimoney.
Booktrailer Review
Excellent depiction of Amsterdam during the Golden Age and when Rembrandt was at his peak.
Some of this story is based on the real fact that he had an affair with his maid and promised her marriage only to take it back. Her life in his home before and after the affair are fascinating and the book is very immersive. It’s as if you are in that house beside them and it’s captivating.
Interesting to see what life was like back then for women who were widowed and trying to work. The Golden Age brought wealth and a future to men it seemed but not to women. A behind the scenes look at one of the most famous painters in the world. I love books that take you back in a time machine and allow you to meet real figures from the past. Fascinating and brilliant more so since it’s a debut!
BookTrail Boarding Pass: Rembrandt’s Promise
Destination/location: Amsterdam Author/guide: Barbara Leahy Departure Time: 1642
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