Rombout Verhulst 1624-1698

Verhulst received his education in his native city of Mechelen. He then left for Amsterdam, where he started to make waves, mainly thanks to his work on the new city hall (now the Palace on Dam Square). He then lived and worked in Leiden and The Hague. Verhulst witnessed important events in his time. He was a member of the artists’ guild in Amsterdam when Rembrandt was there as well. He did work for the Amsterdam city hall. He received orders from Johan de Witt and was probably present when he was murdered. He designed mausoleums for fallen naval officers such as Maarten Tromp and Michiel de Ruyter.

Thanks to his work he met almost everyone who mattered at that time. The story of Rombout Verhulst is therefore not only about his excellent artistic achievements, but is certainly also a window on the eventful history of this century.