Portrait of a Boy, possibly Louis of Nassau, later Lord of Beverweerd, De Leck, Odijk and Lekkerkerk, Illegitimate Son of Maurice, Prince of Orange, and Margaretha van Mechelen

anonymous

1604

oil on panel

Rijksmuseum

A young child in elaborate white lace clothing stands holding a small bird in one hand and cherries in the other. A gold chain with a medallion is around the child's neck. This sitter is probably Louis of Nassau, an illegitimate son of Maurice. He is depicted wearing a gold medal bearing a portrait of his father. This medal was struck to celebrate the Capture of Grave in 1602. Louis was born at that time and is eighteen months old in this portrait. Did Maurice dedicate his victory to his youngest scion?