Rembrandt
was born in Leiden on July 15th 1606. The son of a miller he began his studies at the Latin School and at the age of 14 was enrolled at the University of Leiden. He soon left to study art, first with a local master and then in Amsterdam. After six months he returned to Leiden and took his first pupils. Having married and moved back to Amsterdam his mythological and religious works were soon much in demand and although his family life was marked with misfortune his career as an artist was a success. However his penchant for ostentatious living meant that he was forced to declare himself bankrupt in 1656. His financial problems did not affect his painting skills, if anything he artistry increased. Rembrandt died in 1669 in Amsterdam.