2-976-255 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Portrait of William I, Prince of Orange, c.1579. Other Title(s): Willem I (1533-84), Prince of Orange, Called William the Silent. Of all the nobles in the Low Countries to join the revolt against the Spanish crown, the foremost was William of Orange (1533-1584). Raised at the court of Charles V, he was a consummate diplomat: hence his nickname, the Silent. He emerged as the leader of the insurrection against Spain. In 1580, Philip II put a price on his head; four years later, he was assassinated.