The Disbanding of the 'Waardgelders' (Mercenaries in the Pay of the Town Government) by Prince Maurits on the Neude, Utrecht, 31 July 1618 — Pauwels van Hillegaert

Pauwels van Hillegaert. Painted 1627.

Attired in black, Prince Maurits watches as (mercenary) soldiers – so-called ‘waardgelders’ hired by the towns – here cast off their armour into a sizeable heap. Army commander Maurits put an end to the practice of hiring mercenaries in 1618. By disbanding them, he further consolidated his control over the municipal governments, quashing their ability to defend themselves

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), canvas · Original size: 171.2 × 98.5 cm

Print: 119 × 68.5 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20027051. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.