Pieter Codde

In the summer of 1625, Codde got into a violent fight with his friend, artist Cornelis Duyster, at a party. The altercation ended in bloodshed as they hit each other in the face with jars.¹

In 1636, Codde divorced his wife after being accused of raping a maid. Although released due to lack of proof, his wife left him to live with their neighbor, painter Pieter Potter.¹

His masterpiece 'The Meagre Company' earned its name from comparisons to Rembrandt's 'Night Watch,' as the figures were much thinner. It is a rare collaboration of Hals and Codde.¹

In 1637, Codde was commissioned to finish Frans Hals' uncompleted work, 'The Meagre Company.' While respecting Hals' style, Codde's recognizably smoother execution is visible on the right half.¹

In 1657, Codde purchased a house on the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam for 5,000 guilders, where he lived and worked for the remainder of his life.¹

Upon his death in 1678, Codde left the majority of his property to his maid, Barendje Willems, reflecting his complex personal relationships in his final will.¹