Album amicorum of Heinrich Flück

The Cologne native Heinrich Flück studied at various German universities in Jena, Altdorf and Frankfurt a/O in the years 1603-1614. His album contains a gouache that shows a very sad picture of student life. 

The student looks at his empty purse on the table. Where his money has gone is apparent from the gambling, music and duelling paraphernalia lying around. The Bible, which is just visible, does not give the impression of having been studied with much fruit. A woman confronts him with the firmly entrenched consequences of their relationship and a long list of outstanding debts is chalked on the wall. Outside, the university beadle writes on his door that he must come and answer to the senate. This representation refers to a very popular comedy, the Cornelius relegatus, which was translated into German in 1605. The gouache was probably made in Jena.

Album amicorum of Heinrich Flück. Approx. 150 contributions, 1604-1619, Germany. Request number: 74 H 43