MIEREVELD, Michiel Jansz. van
(b. 1567, Delft, d. 1641, Delft)

Portrait of Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange-Nassau

1632-40
Oil on panel, 44 x 36 cm
Hoogsteder and Hoogsteder, The Hague

Frederick Henry (1584-1647) was the youngest son of Prince William of Orange, founding father of the House of Orange-Nassau. He became stadholder of Holland and Zeeland in 1625, and was given command of the Dutch republic's armed and naval forces. Despite the republican form of government of the Netherlands, Frederick Henry, together with his consort Amalia of Solms, maintained a surprisingly regal status.

Countless portraits of Prince Frederick Henry were made during his life, no less than thirty-six from the workshop of the Delft portraitist Michiel van Miereveld.