Andries de Graeff
A powerful Amsterdam burgomaster who navigated the perilous politics of the Dutch Golden Age, championing peace with England.
1611–1678 (age 67)·Dutch statesman·Birthday: February 19
Biography
Andries de Graeff was born into one of Amsterdam's most influential families, a dynasty that helped bankroll the Dutch Republic's rise. He inherited not just wealth but a political mantle, serving repeatedly as a burgomaster—the city's chief magistrate—during the 1660s and 70s. His era was defined by fierce internal strife between the republican 'State' faction, which he led, and the Orangists who supported a stronger stadtholder. De Graeff was a staunch republican, favoring merchant oligarchy and peace, particularly with England, to protect trade. His patronage of the arts, including commissioning grand portraits from Rembrandt, was both personal taste and political statement, projecting his family's power. His influence waned after the 1672 disaster year, but his career remains a testament to the complex, often ruthless, civic politics that underpinned Amsterdam's dazzling commercial empire.
#1 When Andries Was Born
The biggest hits of 1611
Andries's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1611Born
1616Started school
1624Became a teenager
1627Could drive
1629Could vote
1632Turned 21
1641Turned 30
1651Turned 40
1661Turned 50
1671Turned 60
1678Died at 67
Key Achievements
- Served as burgomaster of Amsterdam multiple times between 1657 and 1672.
- Was a leading figure in the republican 'State' faction opposing Orange stadtholder influence.
- Commissioned portraits from Rembrandt, including 'Portrait of Andries de Graeff'.
- Served as a trustee of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
Did You Know?
His brother, Cornelis de Graeff, was also a powerful burgomaster and political ally.
The De Graeff family palace, Soestdijk, was later acquired by the Dutch royal family.
He was a patron of the poet Joost van den Vondel, who dedicated work to him.
“The city's prosperity rests on prudent governance and the strength of its merchant fleet.”
