MELCHIOR DE HONDECOETER (UTRECHT 1636-AMSTERDAM 1695)
Johan Ortt (1642-1701) on Horseback outside the Gate of Nijenrode Castle
Signed and dated 1687RCIN 405956
Johan Ortt became Lord of the Manor of Nijenrode in 1675 and appears as such here with his crest branded upon on the horse’s hindquarters. He rebuilt the medieval castle, which had been destroyed during the French invasion of 1672.
The new castle is seen over the moat in the background, with an imaginary formal garden in the foreground.