Uylenburgh & Son

Uylenburgh & Son Synopsis

Until the early seventeenth century, the distribution of paintings and other art works was in the hands of the artists, but after that to an increasing extent it was taken on by specialists.The most important art dealers were active in Amsterdam, the art centre par excellence. Hendrick Uylenburgh and his son Gerrit Uylenburgh were leading figures among these dealers. The Uylenburghs, father and son, ran an art business and at the same time headed a painters' workshop where renowned artists worked.

Rembrandt worked for this business from 1631 to 1635. He painted countless commissioned portraits and as well as historical paintings and 'tronies' also did grisailles and etchings. While working for this business he met Saskia Uylenburgh, a cousin of the art dealer, whom he married in 1634.

Uylenburgh & Son provides insight into the nature and significance of the Uylenburghs' enterprise and also discusses their investors and customers. A great deal of new material has been found about the Uylenburgh family and is presented here for the first time.