Rembrandt's Fall from Grace

Johannes Maccovius (1588-1644) is a Polish theologian. In 1615 he becomes a professor at Franeker University. Maccovius becomes notorious for his drinking and visits to brothels. The intensity with which he conducts scientific discussions also does not endear him to his colleagues. After a few years, Maccovius marries Antje van Uylenburgh. When Antje falls ill, her sister Saskia comes to care for her. And when Antje dies, Saskia remains for another six months to keep house for her brother-in-law. In June 1634, Saskia leaves Franeker again. She then marries her fiancé Rembrandt van Rijn.
We do not know whether Rembrandt ever visited Franeker. We also do not know how the contact between the two brothers-in-law was.

It is 21 June 1634, quarter to ten in the morning. A carriage comes to a halt in front of the professor's residence on the Schilkampen. A young man of nearly thirty steps out. He has a self-assured demeanor. He looks at the water in the small canal and at the light on the facades. It will be a beautiful day. Then he straightens his clothes and walks purposefully towards the front door with the star-shaped transom window.

At the sound of the bell, a maidservant comes to the door. She shows the guest to the study. There he is warmly welcomed by Professor Johannes Maccovius: 'Herzlich wilkommen!' The Polish theologian has been living in Franeker for 21 years, but he still does not speak a word of Dutch.

'How was your journey? Not too tiring, I hope?.. Come! Sit down, then I'll pour something.' The young man sits down in a comfortable chair and the professor produces a jug of brandy. He returns with two full glasses: 'Let us toast to tomorrow.. To your wedding! Today we are friends.. Tomorrow we are family!' In one gulp the scholar empties his glass.

After pouring for both of them again, the host continues: 'I wish you both all the best! But you must also know that I let your fiancée go with sorrow.. Over the past six months she has been a great help and support to me. After the death of her sister –my poor wife– she has managed this household in truly magnificent fashion!' For a third time the professor fills the glasses. 'To Saskia! ..May every theologian and every artist find such a wonderful woman.. Cheers!' The glasses are emptied in one gulp again.

The mood is now in full swing and Maccovius is about to fill the glasses for the fourth time. But then the door opens: 'Have you both completely lost your minds?!' A woman in her early twenties storms angrily into the room. She has a soft and open face. But because of the fierce look in her eyes, this is not immediately apparent. 'A fine fiancé you are! You were supposed to pick me up! But instead here you are getting drunk with your brother-in-law! If you still want there to be a wedding tomorrow, Rembrandt, then help me now with loading my trunks!'