Nicolaes Tulp (1593-1674) became doctor of medicine in Leiden in 1614. After his studies he settled in Amsterdam, his birthplace. In 1628 he was appointed praelector anatomiae, the function in wich he is depicted by Rembrandt. Tulp was highly active in medicine, compiling a new reference work for apothecaries, among other things. The Collegium Medicum was also set up on his initiative. Its main task was supervising the apothecaries and doctors in the city. Tulp had numerous public duties. After stepping down as praelector he was mayor four times. Around 1655 Artus Quellinus carved a marble bust of Tulp (Collectie Six, Amsterdam). This terracotta bust is a copy of it.