Wise, old statesman

Government Prosecutor Johan van Oldenbarnevelt took charge of the Republic, in a political sense, following the death of William of Orange. He saw to the funding needed for the war and managed to induce the various provinces and cities to act as an effective, joint force. His portrait confirms his status as a grand old man. The portrait was uncommonly popular: eighteen known copies still exist. Though the portrait of Maurits, hanging nearby, was far more popular – of which there are forty-two known copies.