Papenbroek Collection

[1] After the death of its owner, Gerard van Papenbroek (1673–1743), the antiquities were bequeathed to Leiden University.

In this way Papenbroek gathered a part of the Reynst Collection and pieces from many other famous and lesser known collectors, including some Roman antiquities that had belonged to the Flemish painter Rubens.

[4] During his life Papenbroek put the collection on display in his townhouse, his country house and in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam.

When Papenbroek died in October 1743 his will stipulated that his collection of antiquities should go to Leiden University and was to be put on public display.

[5] The university thus gained about 150 pieces, which were welcomed with an official academic session after they had been arranged for public viewing.