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Michiel de Ruyter (1607-1676) was one of the most famous admirals in Dutch history. He is most famous for his role in the Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century. His victories in the naval battles of the Dutch War of Independence and later during the Anglo-Dutch wars assured his place not only as a national hero, but also as one of the most respected admirals in history. His greatest military achievement was the Four Days' Battle of June 1666, which resulted in defeat for the English navy.
De Ruyter was vice-admiral of Holland when he had himself portrayed together with his family in 1662 by Juriaen Jacobsz. The imposing painting was awarded a prominent place in the interior room of the admiral's new house in Amsterdam. The painter set the group in a seemingly Mediterranean, park-like landscape with cypresses, a fountain and an obelisk. In addition to the baton, around his neck De Ruyter, seated next to his third wife, boasts the prestigious French order of Saint Michael. This detail was added later, since he received the chain from the French king Louis XIV in 1666, four years after the canvas was completed.
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