Titus van Rijn entered the world in 1641 in Amsterdam, arriving as the son of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and Saskia van Uylenburgh. During his brief life of twenty-seven years, he occupied the roles of painter, draftsperson, and art dealer, eventually becoming the central figure in legal and financial arrangements regarding his father’s estate and artistic output.
Early Household and Care
Growing up in the residence now known as the Rembrandthuis, Titus experienced a childhood marked by changing domestic circumstances. In 1643, the household employed Geertje Dircx as his wet nurse and caretaker. Her employment ended in 1649 following conflicts with Rembrandt, which were reportedly linked to the painter's relationship with Hendrickje Stoffels. As Titus reached his teenage years, the household faced significant economic instability, leading to his involvement in legal maneuvers to secure family assets.
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By 1655, Titus signed a will at his father's request, designating Rembrandt as his sole heir, though this was later revised in favor of his half-sister, Cornelia, who was born in 1654. In 1656, Rembrandt transferred his share of the family home to Titus before facing insolvency proceedings. A guardian, Louis Crayers, was appointed to protect the interests of the minor. Following the foreclosure of the Jodenbreestraat property in 1658, the family relocated to rented lodgings on the Rozengracht.
Artistic Commerce and Legal Disputes
In 1660, Titus and Hendrickje Stoffels established an art dealership to market Rembrandt's works, as the elder artist could no longer trade independently. This business secured a commission for the town hall in 1661, though the resulting work, The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis, was ultimately rejected. Following the death of Hendrickje in 1663, Titus took on an increased management role. After being declared of age in 1665, he became the primary creditor for his father’s estate, a status confirmed by the High Court against legal challenges from creditors such as Isaac van Hertsbeeck.
Marriage and Legacy
Titus married Magdalena van Loo, the daughter of a silversmith, in February 1668. The couple settled in her mother's house on the Singel. Titus passed away shortly thereafter on 4 September 1668 and was buried on 7 September. His estate, valued at 12,000 guilders, was inherited by his daughter, Titia, born six months after his death. Titia eventually married François Bijler and spent her later years at Blauwburgwal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1641, Amsterdam
- Died: 4 September 1668, Amsterdam
- Occupations: art dealer, painter, draftsperson, gallerist
- Citizenship: Dutch Republic
- Half-sister: Cornelia (1654-1684)
- Spouse: Magdalena van Loo (1641-1669)
- Child: Titia
Questions readers ask
What professional roles did Titus van Rijn hold?
He worked as a painter, a draftsperson, an art dealer, and a gallerist.
What happened to the Rembrandt family home?
The house on the Jodenbreestraat was sold at foreclosure in 1658 after Rembrandt faced insolvency proceedings.
