“esclave né de quiconque l’achète”. The multiple histories of economic texts

Abstract

I would like to start my address by showing you a picture of a painting. It is an early work by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from around 1628, when the artist was still living in Leiden. 2 This fact creates a connection for me personally, because I was born near that town, and it is where I attended secondary school and studied history at the university.The main reason, however, why I am showing the painting is for the activity it is depicting.1 I thank Annie Cot, Heinz Kurz and Annalisa Rosselli for their comments and suggestions. All remaining misconceptions are my own. 2 Currently the painting is at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. For detailed information about this work see https: