Petrus Scriverius, Dutch historian and scholar (b. 1576)

Petrus Scriverius (born Peter Schrijver or Schryver; 12 January 1576 – 30 April 1660) stands as a prominent figure in the intellectual landscape of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense cultural, scientific, and economic flourishing in the Low Countries. A distinguished Dutch writer and scholar, his work primarily focused on the rich history and classical heritage of his homeland. The Latinized form of his name, Petrus Scriverius, was a common practice among scholars of the era, reflecting the prevailing academic language and a nod to the classical tradition he so deeply revered.

Born in Haarlem, a vibrant city known for its art and intellectual life, Scriverius's academic journey began at the prestigious University of Leiden. There, under the tutelage of figures like Cornelis Schoneus, a respected philologist, Scriverius honed his formidable intellect. It was also at Leiden that he forged a particularly close friendship with Daniel Heinsius, another titan of classical scholarship and poetry, a connection that undoubtedly enriched both their intellectual lives. This era at Leiden was pivotal, as the university was then a leading center for humanistic studies in Europe.

Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

In 1599, Scriverius embarked on a significant chapter of his personal life, marrying Anna van der Aar. Their union proved to be remarkably enduring, spanning an impressive 57 years and blessed with at least eight children. Such a long and fruitful marriage was a testament to their bond, and its significance was underscored by the renowned portrait painter Frans Hals, who captured their likeness on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. These portraits offer a precious glimpse into the lives of a prominent Dutch family of the 17th century.

Professionally, Scriverius briefly served as the headmaster of the Latin School in Duisburg – an institution known today as the Landfermann-Gymnasium – from 1611 to 1613. However, it was his political leanings that brought him into direct conflict with the authorities, an incident that vividly illustrates the turbulent times in which he lived. Scriverius openly aligned himself with the Remonstrant faction, notably supporting figures like Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and Hugo Grotius. This period in Dutch history was marked by intense religious and political strife between the Remonstrants (Arminians), who advocated for a more moderate interpretation of Calvinism, and the Counter-Remonstrants (Gomarists), who held to stricter doctrines. When Scriverius penned a series of Latin verses to honor his friend Rombout Hoogerbeets, a prominent Remonstrant Leiden pensionaris (a legal advisor and representative), these poems were deemed libelous by the government, leading to a substantial fine of 200 guilders.

The story of the collection of this fine reveals Scriverius's spirited wit and defiance. When the councilmen arrived to collect the sum, Scriverius famously directed them to his kitchen, suggesting they take his pots and pans – items whose paltry value was clearly insufficient to cover the fine. His astute wife, Anna, then intervened with a stroke of genius, directing the gentlemen to the family's extensive library. She wryly claimed that it was the very books within those walls that had inspired her husband's controversial verses, and therefore, proceeds from a book sale should logically serve to pay the fine. This anecdote not only highlights Scriverius's character but also subtly underscores the power and perceived danger of the written word during that era.

A Scholar of Classical Antiquity and Dutch History

Much of Scriverius's long life was spent in Leiden, a city that remained the heart of his scholarly endeavors. However, in 1650, he tragically lost his eyesight, a profound challenge for a scholar whose life revolved around texts. The final years of his life were spent in the quiet comfort of his son's home in Oudewater, where he passed away in 1660.

Scriverius's scholarly contributions were twofold, encompassing both classical philology and the meticulous documentation of Dutch history. As a classical scholar, he is particularly renowned for his insightful notes and critical editions of ancient texts. These included works by the Roman epigrammatist Martial, the Gallo-Roman poet Ausonius, and the enigmatic Latin poem Pervigilium Veneris (The Vigil of Venus). He also meticulously edited the poems of the monumental scholar Joseph Justus Scaliger (Leiden, 1615), an immensely influential figure in Renaissance humanism. Further showcasing his breadth, Scriverius produced editions of Vegetius Renatus's De re militari, a foundational text on Roman military strategy, and the tragedies of Seneca, collected in his P. Scriverii collectanea veterum tragicorum (1621).

Equally significant were his numerous and invaluable contributions to the historiography of Holland and the Low Countries. His dedication to uncovering and preserving regional history resulted in a substantial body of work, including:

• Batavia Illustrata (4 parts, Leiden, 1609): A foundational historical and geographical account of the region, celebrated for its comprehensive detail.
• Corte historische Beschryvinghe der Nederlandscher Oorlogen (A Short Historical Description of the Dutch Wars, 1612): Offering insights into the conflicts that shaped the emerging Dutch Republic.
• Inferioris Germaniae . . . historia (History of Lower Germany, 1611, 4 parts): A detailed historical survey of the Low Countries.
• Beschryvinghe van Out Batavien (Description of Old Batavia, Arnheim, 1612): Exploring the ancient history of the Batavians, believed to be ancestors of the Dutch.
• Het oude Goutsche chronycxken van Hollandt (The Old Gouda Chronicle of Holland, Amsterdam, 1663): Scriverius served as its editor, making this important chronicle accessible.
• Principes Hollandiae Zelandiae et Frisiae (Princes of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, Haarlem, 1650): A genealogical and historical account of the rulers of these key Dutch provinces, later translated into Dutch by Pieter Brugman in 1678, broadening its accessibility to a wider audience.

These works collectively established Scriverius as a pivotal figure in the development of Dutch historical writing, meticulously documenting the past for future generations.

Posthumous Recognition and Further Reading

The enduring scholarly interest in Scriverius's work is evident through posthumous publications. His extensive philological and poetic works were compiled and edited by A. H. Westerhovius as Opera anecdota, philologica, et poetica (Utrecht, 1738), ensuring their continued study. Similarly, his Dutch poems were brought together in Nederduitsche Gedichten (1738), edited by S. Dockes. For those wishing to delve deeper into his life and works, valuable insights can be found in publications such as Peerlkamp's Vitae Belgarum qui latina carmina scripserunt (Brussels, 1822) and J. H. Hoeufft's Parnassus latino-belgicus (Amsterdam, 1819).

Frequently Asked Questions about Petrus Scriverius

Who was Petrus Scriverius?

Petrus Scriverius, born Peter Schrijver or Schryver, was a highly influential Dutch writer and scholar during the 17th century. He was renowned for his expertise in both classical philology and the history of the Low Countries.

What was his significance in the Dutch Golden Age?

Scriverius was a key intellectual figure who contributed significantly to both classical studies through his critical editions of ancient texts and to Dutch historiography by meticulously documenting the history of Holland and the broader Low Countries.

What controversy was he involved in?

He faced legal trouble for writing Latin verses in support of Rombout Hoogerbeets, a Remonstrant pensionaris, during a period of intense religious and political conflict in the Dutch Republic. His poems were deemed libelous, leading to a fine and a memorable incident involving his wife.

What are some of his most notable works?

Among his most acclaimed works are Batavia Illustrata, a comprehensive historical and geographical account of the region, and his critical editions of classical authors like Martial, Ausonius, and Seneca. He also edited significant historical chronicles.

Where did Petrus Scriverius spend most of his life?

Despite a brief period as a headmaster in Duisburg, Scriverius spent the majority of his life in Leiden, a major intellectual hub of the Netherlands. His final years were spent in Oudewater.