Jan van Scorel: Portrait of Reinoud III van Brederode (1545)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

A painting by the Dutch artist Jan van Scorel (1495 - 1562). Reinoud III van Brederode (1492-1556), lord of Brederode and Vianen, was a high ranking Dutch noble during the reign of the holy Roman emperor Charles V of Habsburg. Reinoud was burgrave of Utrecht, master of the woods and master of the hunt of Holland, member of the Council of State and as such a member of the privy council and chamberlain of the emperor. His lordship of Vianen and Ameide brought him into a conflict with the county of Holland. As lord of Vianen and Ameide Reinoud claimed control over the judiciary and the coinage in these lands. The count of Holland was worried that Reinoud might make claims to the county and had Reinoud sentenced to death. The he sentence was later reversed by emperor Charles V. On this portrait Reinoud is shown with his large chain which identifies him as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Painting form 1545.