About this sheet
Original 17th-century portrait engraving of Georg Wagner (1605–1661), German jurist, mayor of Esslingen and diplomatic representative at the Peace of Westphalia.
Published in Frankfurt in 1652 in Theatrum Europaeum, Volume VI, the portrait is attributed to Matthäus Merian I (1593–1650). Wagner is depicted in a finely engraved oval medallion above an elegant Baroque cartouche bearing his name, titles and diplomatic position in Latin.
The inscription identifies Wagner as an official of the Imperial City of Esslingen and as a delegate to the negotiations for the universal peace. He represented Esslingen and other Imperial Cities during the diplomatic congress associated with the Peace of Westphalia, the treaties that brought the Thirty Years' War to an end in 1648.
The portrait is an excellent example of mid-17th-century German Baroque printmaking, with particularly fine engraved detail in Wagner's face, long curled hair, clothing and the densely cross-hatched background.
This impression retains exceptionally broad original margins around the engraved plate, giving the sheet an attractive and authentic historical character.
ARTIST / MAKER
Matthäus Merian I (1593–1650), attributed
SITTER
Georg Wagner (1605–1661)
PUBLICATION
Theatrum Europaeum, Volume VI
Frankfurt am Main, 1652
DATE
1652
ORIGIN
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
MEDIUM
Original copper engraving and etching on paper
DIMENSIONS
Sheet: 31.2 × 20.2 cm (12.3 × 8 in)
Plate: 17.6 × 12.7 cm (6.9 × 5 in)
Image: approximately 17.3 × 12.4 cm (6.8 × 4.9 in)
PERIOD / STYLE
Baroque
Mid-17th century
SUBJECT
Georg Wagner
Peace of Westphalia
Thirty Years' War
German diplomacy
Imperial City of Esslingen
European political history
INSCRIPTION
Latin inscription within the engraved cartouche identifying Georg Wagner and his official and diplomatic functions, including his role as a delegate to the peace negotiations.
CONDITION:
Good antique condition. The sheet shows overall age-related toning, some light staining and foxing, minor creases and small signs of handling and wear along the outer edges, consistent with a work on paper dating from 1652.
The engraved portrait itself is well preserved, with a strong impression and clearly defined detail. The unusually broad margins remain largely intact.
Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description.
FRAMING
Offered unframed. Any framed or interior photographs shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
AUTHENTICITY
An original antique 17th-century engraving published in Frankfurt in 1652. This is an original period impression and not a modern reproduction.
KEYWORDS:
Georg Wagner, Peace of Westphalia, Westfälischer Friede, Treaty of Westphalia, Thirty Years' War, Matthäus Merian, Matthaus Merian, Theatrum Europaeum, 1652 engraving, German Baroque, Baroque portrait, diplomat portrait, German statesman, Esslingen, Holy Roman Empire, 17th century portrait, Old Master print, copper engraving, etching, antique portrait, European history, diplomatic history, German history, historical portrait
