Maurits in gold

Maurits established his reputation as a hero in no uncertain terms when he defeated the Spanish at Nieuwpoort in 1600. The Staten-Generaal, States General, rewarded him with the gilt suit of armour that he wears here. A print of this painting was also made. Painted portraits such as these of the prince hung in town and city halls and in the homes of his friends. The prints, sometimes framed, sometimes not, hung in hundreds of homes of “ordinary” Dutchmen and women. Maurits may perhaps have used this warlike portrait as propaganda to continue the military fight against the Spanish.