Anna Maria van Schurman

Portrait of Anna Maria van Schurman (1607–1678)

Artist, Linguist, Theologian, Entomologist

During her teenage years, Anna Maria van Schurman lives for a time in Franeker, at the Martenastins. Her father and brother intend to study at the university here. But before lectures even begin, her father falls ill. On his deathbed, Anna Maria promises him that she will never marry.

Anna Maria devotes her entire life to art, faith and science. She becomes world-famous during her own lifetime. She is the first woman to be allowed to study at a Dutch university (in Utrecht). She also exchanges letters with all the leading scholars of her time.

...and all of this because of the promise Anna Maria made here in Franeker.