Jacob Willemsz. Delff the Younger

Prince Frederick of Prussia (1911–1966);

From whose estate acquired in circa 1972–73 by Colin Bather (1933–1996);

Thence by descent to the previous owner;

By whom anonymously sold, South Cerney, Dominic Winter Auctioneers, 20 July 2023, lot 58;

Where acquired by the present owner.

Hugo Grotius (1583–1645) was a Dutch jurist, philosopher, and theologian, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of international law. Born in Delft in the Dutch Republic, Grotius was a child prodigy who entered the University of Leiden at age 11 and later practiced law in The Hague. He gained prominence through his legal and philosophical writings, particularly De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) published in 1625. This seminal work laid the groundwork for modern international law by arguing that nations are bound by natural law and moral principles, even during war. A Calvinist with moderate views, Grotius became entangled in political-religious conflicts in the Netherlands. In 1619, he was imprisoned for his support of religious tolerance but famously escaped in a book chest and fled to France, where he spent much of his later life in exile. Grotius also served as Sweden’s ambassador to France from 1634 until his death in 1645.

His likeness was captured on several occasions by Michiel van Mierevelt (1566–1641), including a portrait dated 1631 in the Museum Prinsenhof Delft,¹ which bears a resemblance to the present work however, features such as his nose and hair, appear decisively different.

¹ Inv. no. PDS 71; oil on panel; 64.7 x 55.3 cm.; https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Michiel_Jansz_van_Mierevelt_-_Hugo_Grotius.jpg