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Portrait of Maurits, Stadholder and Prince of Orange (1567–1625) (work of art)

Artwork Info

Created
after 1613
Nationality
Dutch
Birth/Death
1567-1641
Dimensions
25 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches (64.8 x 49.5 centimeters)

Credit

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Fabius B. Pendleton in memory of Katherine Clark Pendleton Arrington

Object Number
G.71.40.6
Culture
Dutch European
Classification
Paintings
Department
European to 1910

Key Ideas about this Work of Art

  • Prince Maurits (Prince of Orange) led the Dutch Republic for four decades after his father, William I, was assassinated.
  • Michiel van Mierevelt created this painting during the Eighty Years’ War (also known as the Dutch Revolt). He was a Dutch portrait painter who achieved financial success with his art. At the height of his career, he owned multiple homes and several plots of land.
  • Dutch colonization and trade brought wealth to the Netherlands during the 17th century. Many new developments in the arts and sciences happened during this time. 
  • This work underwent conservation efforts at the NCMA. The painting’s old varnish was removed and revealed the more vibrant surface.

Learn More

This simple portrait, one of the most copied 17th-century Dutch paintings, shows Prince Maurits, the governor (stadholder) of Holland. Maurits’s father led the Dutch War of Independence against Spain, and he is the direct ancestor of the current Dutch royal family.

An important military and cultural figure, Maurits also protected, benefitted from, and in some cases spearheaded the activities of the Dutch East and West India companies, the two colonial corporations responsible for Dutch expansion, exploitation, and violence. Several colonies were named for Maurits, as was what is now the Hudson River when New York City was Dutch New Amsterdam.

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Images

  • An oil painting of a bearded man dressed in armor, posing in front of a dark background. He is wearing a pink sash over his shoulder and a white, frilly collar around his neck.

    Portrait of Maurits, Stadholder and Prince of Orange (1567–1625)

  • An oil painting of a bearded man dressed in armor, posing in front of a dark background. He is wearing a pink sash over his shoulder and a white, frilly collar around his neck.

    Conservator Megan Salazar-Walsh removing the old varnish and restoration from the painting.

  • An oil painting of a bearded man dressed in armor, posing in front of a dark background. He is wearing a pink sash over his shoulder and a white, frilly collar around his neck.

    The portrait with the old varnish removed from part of the face, collar, and sash.