Portrait of Francisco Hurtado de Mendoza

1600 – the Battle of Nieuwpoort. A familiar date for many Dutch people. The Dutch States and Spanish armies meet on the beach near Nieuwpoort in Flanders. Maurice wins narrowly. The Spanish general Mendoza is removed to the Republic as a prisoner of war. An embarrassing situation and a major loss of face. And yet while in captivity Mendoza has himself portrayed in full regalia and with befitting dignity by a Dutch artist.