Petrus Scriverius, Dutch historian and scholar (d. 1660)

Petrus Scriverius, born Peter Schrijver or Schryver on 12 January 1576, and living until 30 April 1660, was a distinguished Dutch polymath, celebrated as both a prolific writer and an eminent scholar. His work primarily focused on the intricate history and classical philology of the Low Countries during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense intellectual and artistic flourishing.

Early Life, Education, and Family

Scriverius was a native of Haarlem, a vibrant city in the province of North Holland. His intellectual journey began under the tutelage of Cornelis Schoneus, a renowned rector and humanist, who guided his early education. He then proceeded to the esteemed University of Leiden, a leading center of learning in Europe, where he delved into classical studies. It was at Leiden that he forged a profound and lasting friendship with Daniel Heinsius, a brilliant poet, scholar, and a key figure in the "Leiden school" of philology, which significantly influenced Scriverius's own scholarly pursuits. In 1599, Scriverius married Anna van der Aar, a partnership that would last for an extraordinary 57 years, yielding at least eight children and providing a stable foundation for his intellectual endeavors. This enduring union was commemorated on their 25th wedding anniversary by the celebrated Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals, who captured their likenesses in a pair of iconic portraits, now held in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Academic Career and Political Stance

From 1611 to 1613, Scriverius served as the headmaster of the Latin School in Duisburg, an important educational institution that continues to thrive today as the Landfermann-Gymnasium. Beyond his academic roles, Scriverius was deeply embedded in the tumultuous political landscape of the Dutch Republic. He was a staunch supporter of the influential statesmen Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and Hugo Grotius, both central figures in the Remonstrant faction during the Arminian-Gomarist theological and political disputes. This alignment led him into direct conflict with the prevailing government. He incurred their displeasure by composing a collection of Latin verses in homage to his friend, Rombout Hoogerbeets, the Leiden pensionary and a prominent Remonstrant leader. The authorities deemed Scriverius's poems libelous, an act of sedition in the highly charged political climate, and consequently imposed a substantial fine of 200 guilders. This amount was significant for the era, equivalent to several months' wages for a skilled craftsman.

A notable anecdote highlights Scriverius's defiant spirit and his wife's quick wit during the collection of this fine. When the councilmen arrived at his home to collect the payment, Scriverius, in a clear act of satirical protest, directed them to his kitchen, inviting them to seize his pots and pans. These household items, of course, were far from sufficient to cover the imposed fine. Demonstrating remarkable composure and shrewdness, Anna van der Aar then intervened, playfully directing the officials to her husband's extensive library. She famously quipped that it was the very books within those shelves that had inspired her husband's controversial writings, and thus, the proceeds from their sale should logically be used to settle the fine. This incident not only showcases Scriverius's principled defiance but also underscores the supportive and intelligent partnership he shared with his wife.

Later Life and Legacy

While much of Scriverius's productive life was centered in Leiden, a hub of intellectual activity, his later years were marked by a personal challenge. In 1650, he lost his sight, a profound disability for a scholar whose life revolved around texts. The final decade of his life was spent in the care of his son at Oudewater, a town in the province of Utrecht, where he eventually passed away in 1660.

Scriverius's scholarly output was prolific and diverse, cementing his reputation as a key figure in 17th-century European scholarship. His contributions can be broadly categorized into classical philology and historical research on the Low Countries.

Key Scholarly Contributions

Classical Philology and Editions:

He is highly regarded for his meticulous critical notes on various classical texts, including the epigrams of the Roman poet Martial, the diverse works of Ausonius, a prominent Roman poet and rhetorician, and the enigmatic Latin poem Pervigilium Veneris. His editorial prowess extended to significant editions, such as the collected poems of the eminent French classical scholar Joseph Justus Scaliger (Leiden, 1615), a critical edition of Vegetius Renatus's seminal treatise on Roman military organization, De re militari, and the tragedies of the Roman philosopher Seneca, compiled in his P. Scriverii collectanea veterum tragicorum (1621). His posthumously published works, Opera anecdota, philologica, et poetica (Utrecht, 1738), were expertly edited by A. H. Westerhovius, while his Dutch poems, Nederduitsche Gedichten (1738), were compiled by S. Dockes.

Historical Works on the Low Countries:

Scriverius made invaluable and foundational contributions to the historiography of Holland and the broader Low Countries. His key historical publications include:

• Batavia Illustrata (Leiden, 1609): A comprehensive work presented in four parts, offering a detailed description of Holland, encompassing its geography, history, governmental structures, and notable figures.
• Corte historische Beschryvinghe der Nederlandscher Oorlogen (1612): A concise yet insightful historical account of the Dutch Wars, likely referring to the Eighty Years' War.
• Inferioris Germaniae . . . historia (1611): A four-part historical treatise on Lower Germany, a term often used to refer to the Low Countries.
• Beschryvinghe van Out Batavien (Arnheim, 1612): A detailed description of ancient Batavia, linking the contemporary Dutch people to the historical Germanic tribe that inhabited the delta of the Rhine.
• Het oude Goutsche chronycxken van Hollandt (Amsterdam, 1663): As an editor, Scriverius played a crucial role in preserving and making accessible this important old chronicle of Holland.
• Principes Hollandiae Zelandiae et Frisiae (Haarlem, 1650): A significant work detailing the rulers (princes) of the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland. This Latin work was later translated into Dutch in 1678 by Pieter Brugman, making it accessible to a wider Dutch-speaking audience and further solidifying its impact.

Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the life and works of Petrus Scriverius, valuable scholarly resources include Peerlkamp's Vitae Belgarum qui latina carmina scripserunt (Brussels, 1822), which examines Belgian authors of Latin poetry, and J. H. Hoeufft's Parnassus latino-belgicus (Amsterdam, 1819), another essential work on Latin poetry from the Low Countries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Petrus Scriverius

• Who was Petrus Scriverius? Petrus Scriverius was a prominent Dutch writer and scholar (1576-1660) known for his contributions to the history of the Low Countries and classical philology.
• What were his main areas of scholarship? His main areas were classical studies (editing and commenting on Latin poets like Martial and Seneca) and historical research, particularly on the history of Holland and the Low Countries.
• Why was he fined by the government? He was fined 200 guilders because his Latin poems honoring his Remonstrant friend, Rombout Hoogerbeets, were deemed libelous by the government, reflecting the intense political and religious conflicts of the time.
• What is notable about his marriage? Petrus Scriverius and Anna van der Aar had a remarkably long marriage of 57 years and at least 8 children. Their 25th wedding anniversary portraits were famously painted by Frans Hals.
• Did he suffer from any health issues later in life? Yes, he became blind in 1650, spending the last years of his life in the care of his son in Oudewater.