Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (September 14, 1547 ? May 13, 1619) was a Dutch statesman who played an important role in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain. Born in Amersfoort, Van Oldenbarnevelt studied law at several universities throughout Europe before settling in Roderdam. Although just a moderate Calvinist, he supported William the Silent in his revolt against Spain and fought in his army. He was a fierce opponent of the policies of the Earl of Leicester, the governor-general at the time, and instead favored Maurice of Nassau, a son of William. Leicester left in 1587, leaving the military power in the Netherlands to Maurice.

Artist: Otto Venius
Print Type: Engraving
Dimensions: 10 1/2 x 7"
Notes & Literature: Artist: Otto van Veen, also known by his Latinized name Otto Venius or Octavius Vaenius (1556 ? 6 May 1629), was a painter, draughtsman, and humanist active primarily in Antwerp and Brussels in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is known for running a large studio in Antwerp, producing several emblem books, and for being, from 1594 or 1595 until 1598, Peter Paul Rubens' teacher. His role as a classically educated humanist artist (a pictor doctus), reflected in the Latin name by which he is often known, Octavius Vaenius, was influential on the young Rubens, who would take on that role himself.

Condition Report: Very Good