Leiden's Rembrandt Trail: From Childhood Choir to Anatomy Studies
A visit to Leiden showcases the formative years of Rembrandt van Rijn. The Pieterskerk, a Gothic structure established in the early 14th century, served as the venue for Rembrandt's childhood singing; his parents were wed there in 1589 and are interred close by. Deconsecrated in 1971, it transitioned to become Leiden University's Faculty of Medicine in 1980. Founded in 1645, the Van der Speck Hof initially provided shelter for the impoverished. At Galgewater, Rembrandt created a sketch of a hanged woman. Born in 1606 in Weddesteeg, his family home was later torn down. He attended the Latijnse School from 1614 and enrolled at Leiden University in 1620, training at the Young Rembrandt Studio from 1620 to 1623, which captures the essence of that period.
Key facts
- Pieterskerk construction took 180 years from early 14th century.
- Rembrandt's parents married at Pieterskerk in 1589.
- Pieterskerk deconsecrated in 1971; houses Leiden University Faculty of Medicine since 1980.
- Van der Speck Hof founded in 1645 by Pieter Gerritsz van der Speck.
- Rembrandt sketched a hanged 21-year-old woman at Galgewater.
- Rembrandt born in 1606 in Weddesteeg; family home demolished early 20th century.
- Latijnse School built 1559, restored 1981; Rembrandt studied there 1614–1620.
- Leiden University founded 1575; Rembrandt enrolled at age 14 in 1620.
Entities
Artists
- Rembrandt van Rijn
- Jacob Isaacszoon van Swanenburg
- Isaac Claesz
Institutions
- Pieterskerk
- Leiden University
- Latijnse School
- Young Rembrandt Studio
- Van der Speck Hof
Locations
- Leiden
- Netherlands
- Pieterskerk
- Kloksteeg 16
- Van der Speck Hof
- Pieter Gerritsz Speckhof 2
- Galgewater
- Oude Rijn
- Weddesteeg
- Latijnse School
- Lokhorststraat 16
- Leiden University
- Rapenburg 70
- Young Rembrandt Studio
- Lagenbrug 89