Defence
Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange.
Michiel Jansz. van Miereveld
MOD4317 - oil on panel, 77cm x 66cm.
Politics, people and preservation are closely linked in the collection. the portraits cover a vast area - some officially commissions, some presented or bequeathed - including politicians, military and naval commanders, and other people associated with the process of defending the United Kingdom over four hundred years.
The MOD Art Collection includes several hundred portraits of varying finesse and interest. All, even those of a lesser artistic technique and political sophistication, are cherished and hung in locations appropriate to their subjects.
Frederik Hendrik was born in 1584, the son of William the Silent. He succeeded his brother Maurits as Stadholder of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.
He was the grandfather of William III who, with his wife Mary, became joint monarchs in 1689. van Miereveld was the official court painter to the princes of Orange throughout the late 16th century; his works were very highly regarded.
It is thought that when William arrived in England he brought portraits such as this one to give to members of the English establishment - in this case, the Lord High Admiral. The portrait currently hangs in a NATO residence in Holland - its first return to its country of origin.
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