This print was made by the Leiden engraver Jacob de Gheijn, who knew Grotius well. Grotius is fifteen years old in this portrait and had just returned from France, where he had accompanied Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, the Land’s Advocate of Holland and one of the most powerful men in the Dutch Republic, on a diplomatic mission. It is generally assumed that this journey marked the beginning of Grotius’ friendship with Oldenbarnevelt, who would become his main mentor. The medallion that Grotius is holding up is a gift from the French king Henri IV, who allegedly called the boy ‘the Dutch miracle’. The text above the image - ‘ruit hora’ - means ‘times flies’ and was Grotius’ personal motto. Grotius certainly was a young man in a hurry - at this stage, he had already finished his studies at Leiden University.
Jacob de Gheyn (1565-1629), Portrait of a young Hugo de Groot (Grotius), print, 1599 [PK-P-100.852]