Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are the most 
common autoimmune disorders, although they each have very different 
pathophysiology. In general, RA is considered to be a Th1-mediated disease, 
while SLE is a Th2-mediated disease. Thus, their overlapping, in so called 
"rhupus", is a rare condition. In Rembrandt van Rijn's (1606-1669) portrait of 
the middle-aged Maria Bockenolle, we have what may be the earliest depiction of 
a case of rhupus syndrome: the coexistence of a butterfly rash and digital 
deformities. This suggests the possible historical importance of an RA epidemic 
which took place in the early 17th century.