Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn was born in Weddesteeg 3 on July 15, 1606 at Leiden. Weddesteeg was located close to the city walls and afforded views of the Rhine River. Rembrandt’s paternal forefathers were flour-millers. The family’s mill stood on the ramparts, inside the city walls and close to the Rhine River.

In the early 17th century millers were members of the middle classes. Rembrandt’s parents were fairly well off. They sent him to the Latin School in Lokhorststraat. The pupils of this school were taught in Latin. They had to speak Latin together and all exams were taken in Latin.
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Passion for painting
At the tender age of fourteen, Rembrandt’s parents enrolled him at Leiden University. Enrolling students in advance was common practice in Leiden in those days. The students did not actually start their studies until they were seventeen years old. He never studied at Leiden University for his passion for painting was too strong. Rembrandt managed to convince his father that he did not aspire to become a scholar. He wanted to train as a painter.
In view of this ambition, his father gave him permission to be apprenticed to the Leiden master painter Jacob van Swanenburgh (1571-1631) in 1621.
He had his first studio in this city. In Leiden he made his first historical paintings and self-portraits.

Municipal Museum De Lakenhal
Oude Singel 28-32
2312 RA Leiden
info  (++31) 71 5 165 360
exhibition
Rembrandt’s Mother

December 16, 2005 through March 19, 2006
The exhibition Rembrandt’s Mother, Myth and Reality explores the mystery around the old woman reading the Bible.
Rembrandt route Leiden
Historical center of Leiden
throughout the year
In the footsteps of young Rembrandt.
The walking route takes you past all authentic Rembrandt locations in the historical center of Leiden. Information signs in English and Dutch are erected along the route. They give you an impression of Leiden as it was during Holland's Golden Age, the 17th century. One of the highlights of the walk is Weddesteegplein.