Pieter van Ruijven had belonged to the Van Ruijvens, who had built up a large collection of paintings by Vermeer, three by Emanuel de Witte, four by Simon de Vlieger and one by Jan Porcellis. He is depicted as a predatory lecher in Tracy Chevalier's historical novel "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (1999), although there is absolutely no evidence of this. The 2003 film of the book also follows this characterization. Pieter van Ruijven Pieter Claesz. van Ruijven (Delft, 1624 – Delft, August 7, 1674) is best known as Johannes Vermeer's patron for the better part of the artist's career. Van Ruijven was
Pieter Godfried Maria van Meeuwen Pieter Godfried Maria van Meeuwen Jonkheer Pieter Godfried Maria van Meeuwen (11 March 1899 in 's-Hertogenbosch – 9 February 1982 in Ulestraten) was a Dutch judge and a politician. Van Meeuwen studied law at Leiden University and obtained his degree in 1924. After working as a lawyer in 's-Hertogenbosch until 1927 he was a court clerk at the local arrondissement court until 1930. Van Meeuwen subsequently judge at the same court, which he remained until 1936. He then took up a similar position at The Hague court, which he kept until 1949. He then acquired a seat in the court