Johan van Oldenbarneveldt

Oldenbarneveldt, Johan van (1547–1619), Dutch statesman. As advocate of Holland (from 1586), he supported self-government for the burgher towns of the United Provinces, recently liberated from Spain, and encouraged commerce during the early years of the Dutch East India Company. He came into conflict with Maurice of Nassau and the nobles over the role of the States-General and in the Calvinist-Remonstrants controversy. Olden-barneveldt was arrested on unfounded treason charges and executed.