Bernhard von Reesen
Polish merchant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bernhard von Reesen (1491 – 1521) was a successful merchant born to a patrician family in the Hanseatic city of Danzig (Gdańsk).[1] The Reesen name, with its prefix "von" (of), indicates that the family had its origins in the city of Rees.[1][2]
Brigitte Proite
Bernhard von Reesen | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 1491 Danzig (Gdańsk) |
| Died | October 1521 (aged 29–30) |
| Occupation | Merchant |
| Parent(s) | Bernd von Reesen Brigitte Proite |
He was the son of Bernd von Reesen (c. 1460 – 1506) and Brigitte Proite (d. 1506) who were married in 1489.[3] His younger brother Heinrich (1497 – 1532) was also a merchant;[4] his eldest sister, Margarethe (b. 1490), married, in 1516, Hans (Johann) von Schwarzwald (1468 – 1521), an alderman of Danzig.[5][6][7][8]
Reesen was highly educated as was the custom for men of his background at that time. The wealthy businessman was evidently one of a circle of merchants with whom Albrecht Dürer of Nuremberg and his wife were in regular contact while the artist was in Antwerp.[9] In early 1521, when Reesen was about thirty, Dürer painted his portrait.[10][11] The painting can be seen in the permanent exhibition of Old Masters in Dresden, Germany.[12]
He died in October 1521, "tempore pestis" according to the chronicler, Stenzel Bornbach.[13] The day, place and cause of his death are unknown.[14]
