Hello, fellow listers -- I recently bought a little gem of a book called the EyewitnessTravel Guide to Amsterdam. This is one of a series published in London by Dorling Kindersley. I know that this series also includes other European cities/countries and I would recommend them highly. The book includes a real mix of very interesting information, such as social and political history, architecture, customs, etc. The maps are also wonderful. Anyway, I was pleased to see a bit of info included about the SIX surname, although it does not mention its Huguenot origins. Those of you who have been on the list for a while will remember previous posts about this name. On pg. 117, for example, there is a map showing the exact location of the SIX home on the Herengracht, saying that: "Descendents of the original SIX family still live in this splendid house, which is now a private museum." On pgs. 118-119, under the heading "Six Collection" is the following information: "The SIX Collection comprises an accumulation of fine paintings, furniture, silverware and porcelain objects belonging to the descendents of Jan SIX (1618-1700). He was one of the richest men in the city, who, it was said, had 'innumerable boxes of money' at his disposal. Before he was appointed burgomaster of Amsterdam in 1691, Jan SIX had been a friend and patron of Rembrandt. The father-in-law of Jan SIX was the subject of Rembrandt's painting 'The Anatomy Lesson of Professor TULP', now in the Mauritshuis. SIX's extensive art collection includes two portraits by the artist: one of SIX himself, and the other of his mother, Anna WIJMER. The painting of Jan SIX is considered by many to be Rembrandt's finest portrait. It is also thought that this work was Rembrandt's way of paying back a 1,000-guilder loan he had received from SIX. In addition to the Rembrandt paintings, the SIX collection also includes works by other Dutch masters such as Frans HALS, Thomas DE KEYSER, and Albert CUYP. Descendents of Jan SIX still live in part of the building, which was designed by Adriaan DORTSMAN. Consequently, the museum's opening hours are limited. Before visiting the SIX Collection, visitors must first ask for a letter of introduction, which is obtainable on production of a passport at the information desk of the Rijksmuseum." On pgs. 102-103, there is a small picture portrait of Jan SIX II as well as drawings of the beautiful houses on the Herengracht, including the SIX home. The Herengracht is described as lined with "grand, wide-fronted mansions". As for the SIX home, it says: "The facade of No 495 Herengracht was rebuilt and a balcony added by Jean COULON in 1739 for burgomaster and art expert Jan SIX." On pg. 188 is a small reproduction of 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicholaes TULP' (mentioned above), painted in 1632, with this description: "Rembrandt's painting of surgeons examining a corpse reflects the burgeoning contemporary interest in anatomy and science." Also as mentioned above, this work hangs in the Mauritshuis which is described as "a small art gallery set on three floors ....packed with paintings crowded on to all available wall space.....one of the finest galleries in the Netherlands." I hope this bit of SIX history has interested some of you. Andrea