Artwork

Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen

Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen, by Pieter Nason, oil
Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen, by Pieter Nason, oil

Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter Nason. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The year 1679 anchors the work in the later phase of his career, when such representations reinforced his legacy as a figure of power and leadership.

The portrait depicts John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen, a Dutch military commander and colonial administrator known for his service in Brazil. He is shown in full body armor, emphasizing his martial role and status. A page and a slave accompany him, underscoring his authority and the hierarchical social order of the period.

The armor and the presence of attendants serve to elevate his noble identity, presenting him as both a warrior and a ruler. The year 1679 anchors the work in the later phase of his career, when such representations reinforced his legacy as a figure of power and leadership.

Technique & Style

Created in 1679, the Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. The work measures 125 cm in height and 96 cm in width. As a portrait genre piece by Pieter Nason, it depicts the sitter alongside figures representing a page and a slave, with the prince shown wearing body armor. The medium of oil paint allows for the detailed rendering of these formal elements within the composition.

History & Provenance

The portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen was painted by Pieter Nason in 1679, executed in oil on canvas. Beyond its creation date and medium, the documented ownership history is limited. According to Wikidata records, the painting was at one point owned by Maurits Cornelis van Hall.

It is now associated with two institutional collections: the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes and the Rijksmuseum. No further details regarding its original commission, intermediate owners, or acquisition circumstances are recorded in the available sources.

The painting titled Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau‑Siegen, was created in 1679 by Pieter Nason using oil on canvas. It portrays the Dutch commander in body armor with a page and an enslaved figure. According to the documented records, the work belongs to the holdings of the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes in Rio de Janeiro and is also listed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. No accession or inventory number is provided in the available sources, and no exhibition history is recorded.

Legacy

The portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen, painted by Pieter Nason in 1679, is held in the collections of the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes and the Rijksmuseum, reflecting its enduring scholarly and curatorial interest. Its inclusion in these major institutions underscores its significance within Dutch Golden Age portraiture and contributes to the historical reputation of the sitter and artist. The work’s dimensions (125 cm × 96 cm) and material (oil on canvas) are documented, and its provenance includes ownership by Maurits Cornelis van Hall.

Overview

This oil painting by Pieter Nason, created in 1690, captures John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen. Executed during the Dutch Golden Age, it exemplifies the portrait genre of the period. The work is currently housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, offering insight into the prominent figures and artistic practices of 17th-century The Hague.

Context

Pieter Nason, the painter of this work, was a notable figure in The Hague's artistic community during the Dutch Golden Age. His professional standing is evidenced by his membership in the local Guild of Painters. Furthermore, Nason played a role in the founding of the Pictura Society in 1656, an important initiative that supported artists and promoted art in the city.

Portrait of Prince Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen
Portrait of Prince Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, Jan de Baen

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pieter Nason

Artist

Pieter Nason

Pieter Nason (bapt. 16 February 1612, Amsterdam - 1688/90, The Hague) was a Dutch painter. He became a member of the Guild of Painters of The Hague in 1639, and in 1656 was one of the forty seven members who established…

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen?

Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen was painted by Pieter Nason in 1679-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen?

Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen?

Portrait of John Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen is associated with Dutch Golden Age.