Gerrit de Graeff (I.) van Zuid-Polsbroek

Gerrit de Graeff (I.) van Zuid-Polsbroek was a member of the De Graeff family which wielded much influence in mercantile and political spheres during the Dutch Golden Age.

In 1732, de Graeff finished his studies of law at the University of Leiden. Four years later, in 1736, he became one of the chairmen of the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC), and in 1737 he was appointed as one of the Chairmen of the Dutch West India Company (WIC). De Graeff was also one of the directors of the Company of Surinam from 1748 to 1752. In 1739 he became a member of the vroedschap (city council), and captain in the schutterij (civil militia) in Amsterdam.

Besides his property in Amsterdam, de Graeff owned Bronstee, a country estate near Heemstede, but spent most of his time at his castle Ilpenstein. De Graef was also passionate art collector.