Frans Banninck Cocq (sometimes incorrectly spelled as Banning), free lord of Purmerland and Ilpendam (February 23, 1605 – January 1, 1655) was a knight, burgemeester (mayor) and military person of Amsterdam in the mid-17th century, the Dutch Golden Age. He is best known for being the central figure in Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch.
Banninck Cocq was born into a wealthy family and received a good education. He studied law at Leiden University and became a successful lawyer. He also served in the Amsterdam militia, rising to the rank of captain. In 1630, he married Maria Overlander, the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
In 1642, Banninck Cocq commissioned Rembrandt to paint a portrait of himself and his fellow militia members. The resulting painting, The Night Watch, is one of the most famous and iconic works of art in the world.
Banninck Cocq went on to have a successful career in government and business. He served as burgemeester of Amsterdam three times and was also a member of the Dutch parliament. He died in 1655 at the age of 49.
Banninck Cocq is remembered as one of the most important figures in the Dutch Golden Age. He was a successful lawyer, soldier, politician, and businessman. He is also remembered as the central figure in one of the most famous paintings in the world.