Maurits, Prince of Orange (1567-1625)

Unknown artist

Prince Maurits was stadholder and military commander of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. He sired eight children with six different mistresses. As he refused to marry he had no legal successor. Maurits stands proud in a ceremonial gilded suit of armour, his helmet and gloves are on the table. This design had been the norm for state portraits since 1551, when it was first devised by the Italian painter Titian.