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

This 17th-century Dutch painting depicts Maurits (Maurice in English), the Prince of Orange. He was 16 years old when his father, William I, was murdered. Maurits was appointed to his father’s office of stadholder of the Dutch Republic. He served in that role for four decades. Maurits’s father led the Dutch War of Independence (also called the Eighty Years’ War or Dutch Revolt) against Spain. The war between Spain and the Netherlands lasted from 1568 until 1648. When the war ended, the Netherlands gained its independence from Spain.

Maurits was a key military and cultural figure in the Netherlands. Dutch colonization and trade brought wealth to the region during the so-called “Dutch Golden Age.” Maurits profited from (and sometimes led) the activities of the Dutch East and West India companies. They were the two colonial corporations that were responsible for Dutch expansion, exploitation, and violence. 

Michiel van Mierevelt 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. He created this painting of Maurits during the Eighty Years’ War.

This work of art was carefully restored by the NCMA Conservation team. Conservation experts removed the old varnish from the surface of the painting and discovered more vibrant colors beneath it.