Justinus van Nassau

Justinus van Nassau

File:DiegoVelazquez SurrenderofBreda.jpg

The Surrender of Breda by Diego Velazquez. Justinus of Nassau hands over the keys of the city to Ambrosio Spinola

Justinus van Nassau (1559 - Leiden, 1631) was the only extramarital child of William of Orange and a Dutch army commander , known for unsuccessfully defending Breda against the Spanish and the depiction of his surrender on the famous picture by Diego Velazquez.

His mother was Eva Elincx, William's mistress between his first and second marriage. William of Orange recognized Justinus and raised him with his other children.

Justinus studied in Leiden and became lieutenant-Colonel on May 17 1583. On february 28 1585 he became lieutenant-admiral, and fought that year against the Spanish Armada, capturing two galleons.

From 1601 until 1625 he was governor of Breda. In 1625 he had to surrender Breda to Spinola after a siege of 11 months. Justinus was allowed to leave for Leiden.

Issue

He married on december 4 1597 with Anna van Mérode (january 9 1567 - Leiden, October 8 1634) and had three chidren.

• Willem Maurits van Nassau (June 1603 - Leiden, 1638), married and had issue.
• Louise Henriëtte van Nassau (1604 - somewhere between 1637 and 1645), no issue.
• Philips van Nassau (1605 - somewhere between 1672 and 1676), married and had issue.

He and his wife were buried in the Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden.