Dom Miguel de Castro played a significant role as an emissary from the Kingdom of Kongo to the Dutch Republic during the 17th century. As a cousin of the Count of Soyo, he embarked on a diplomatic mission to seek mediation in a conflict between the Count and King Garcia II of Kongo. His journey, which began in Portuguese-controlled Angola, culminated in his arrival in the Dutch Republic in 1643. His visit was prompted by the assistance provided by the Dutch West India Company, which had conquered Loango-Angola from the Portuguese in 1641.
Upon reaching the Dutch Republic, Dom Miguel de Castro was well-received, a testament to the diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Kongo and the Dutch. In Flushing, he was welcomed by directors of the Zealand chamber of the Dutch West India Company before being accommodated in Middelburg. His audience with stadtholder Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange in The Hague showcased the significance of his mission and the diplomatic ties between the two entities.
During his stay in Middelburg, the directors commissioned several paintings, including portraits of Dom Miguel de Castro and his servants, as well as depictions of them in both Portuguese and Congolese attire. This demonstrates not only the interest in his visit but also the cultural exchange that took place. The request made by Dom Miguel de Castro to take one of his portraits back to Africa highlights the personal significance he attached to the mission and his representation in the form of art.
The exchange of the paintings in May 1645 further solidified the cultural aspect of his visit, leaving a lasting mark on the diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Kongo and the Dutch Republic. Additionally, the visit of Governor John Maurice of Dutch Brazil to Middelburg in 1644, where he received the portraits of Dom Miguel de Castro and his servants, served as a testament to the enduring impact of the mission and the continued interaction between the Kingdom of Kongo and the Dutch.
In essence, Dom Miguel de Castro’s diplomatic mission to the Dutch Republic stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of nations during the 17th century. His journey not only sought to address specific conflicts but also contributed to the cultural exchange and understanding between the Kingdom of Kongo and the Dutch Republic, as evidenced by the commissioned paintings and the significance attached to his visit by both parties.
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