Justinus van Nassau

Justinus van Nassau
Portrait of Justinus of Nassau
by Jan Antonisz. van Ravesteyn
Born1559
Died1631 (aged 71–72)
Resting placeHooglandse Kerk, Leiden, Netherlands
SpouseAnna van Mérode
Children
  • Willem Maurits van Nassau
  • Louise Henriëtte van Nassau
  • Philips van Nassau
Parents
The Surrender of Breda by Diego Velázquez. Justinus of Nassau hands over the keys of the city to Ambrogio Spinola.

Justinus van Nassau (1559–1631) was the only extramarital child of William the Silent. He was a Dutch army commander known for his role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada, his leadership of the forces in Breda during the siege of 1624, and the depiction of his surrender in the painting by Diego Velázquez, The Surrender of Breda.

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

Justinus studied in Leiden and became Lieutenant-Colonel on 17 May 1583. On 28 February 1585 he became lieutenant-admiral of Zeeland, 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.