Bust of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (1547-1619)

Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, second half 17th century. Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (1547-1619) was the key political figure in the Republic around 1600. He was advocate of the powerful province of Holland, led the delegation from Holland in the States General and exercised significant influence on foreign policy. As a supporter of (Holland's) trading interest, he sought peace with Spain. Oldenbarnevelt and the stadholder, Prince Maurice, worked together in the struggle against Spain. But during the truce, when numerous political and religious scores were settled, the two leaders of the Republic became adversaries. Maurice eventually won the day. In 1619 Oldenbarnevelt was tried and beheaded.