Chapters Eight & Nine (Jacob) Summary

Daan brings Jacob to an art museum and shows him a painting Rembrandt did of his son, Titus. Jacob and the son look exactly alike. Jacob cannot take his eyes off the painting. Titus and his father, the famous Rembrandt, had an interesting relationship. Historically, Rembrandt is remembered as selfish, somewhat neglectful father, but Daan argues things differently. When Rembrandt was forced into retirement, Titus single-handedly kept his father financially afloat by commissioning paintings from him. This painting of Titus is especially guarded because a few years back, someone kissed Titus' face, leaving a bright, red lipstick mark on the canvas.

The next day, Daan is on the phone with his mother, Tessel, for a very long time. She is upset because Geertrui has been difficult at the hospital and is insisting upon seeing Jacob. Daan knows...