Michiel de Ruyter as Lieutenant-Admiral  1667

In 1667 Ferdinand Bol painted several life-size portraits of Michiel de Ruyter. These were hung in the headquarters of all five Dutch admiralties. This painting went to Middelburg. De Ruyter’s hero status made him a powerful man. In the portrait he is richly dressed and holding his commander’s baton. Around his neck [br]he is wearing the Order of St Michael, awarded to him...