Portrait of Catharina Belgica (1578-1648)

A ruff of fine lace and a string of pearls around her neck. Costly jewellery adorned with precious stones and a dress richly embroidered with gold thread. This is Catherina Belgica of Nassau, the third daughter of William the Silent and his third wife Charlotte of Bourbon.

Catharina Belgica was 39 when she had her portrait painted by the Hague artist Jan van Ravesteyn. The picture formed part of the collection of paintings belonging to Stadholder Frederik Hendrik, Catherina’s half-brother.