Name Justinus Nassau | Parents William the Silent | |
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Children Willem Maurits van NassauLouise Henriette van NassauPhilips van Nassau Spouse Anna van Merode (m. 1597), Anna van Merode (m. 1567) Cousins Ernest Casimir I, Count of Nassau-Dietz Grandparents Juliana of Stolberg, William I, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg Similar People Ambrogio Spinola - 1st Marqu, William the Silent, Countess Maria of Nassau, Maurice - Prince of Orange, Anna van Egmont | ||
Justinus van Nassau (1559 – 1631) was the only extramarital child of William the Silent. He was a Dutch army commander known for unsuccessfully defending Breda against the Spanish, and the depiction of his surrender on the famous picture by Diego Velázquez, The Surrender of Breda.
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 of Zealand, and fought in 1588 against the Spanish Armada, capturing two galleons.
From 1601 until 1625 he was governor of Breda. In 1625 he had to surrender Breda to the Spanish general Ambrogio Spinola after a siege of 11 months. Justinus was allowed to leave for Leiden.
Issue
On December 4, 1597, he married Anne, Baronesse de Mérode (January 9, 1567 - Leiden, October 8, 1634) and had three children.
He and his wife were buried in the Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden.
The following arms are recorded for Justinus, based on those of his father William the Silent. They show the bend-dexter of a legitimate child in white, rather than the bend-sinister of an illegitimate child.: