The Disbanding of the ‘Waardgelders’ by Prince Maurits, Pauwels van Hillegaert, 1627
oil on canvas, h 98.5cm × w 171.2cm Catalogue entry
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
