Figures & Portraits · 17th century
€ 330
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Wear consistent with age and use. Good antique condition with age-related toning and minor signs of wear consistent with an original work on paper dating from the mid-17th century.
TITLE
Gerhard Coch, Peace of Westphalia & Hanseatic Diplomat Portrait, 1652
DESCRIPTION
Original mid-17th-century portrait engraving of Gerhard Coch (1601–1660), German jurist, Bremen senator and diplomat representing Bremen and the Hanseatic cities during the negotiations associated with the Peace of Westphalia.
Coch is portrayed in an oval medallion wearing formal 17th-century dress, above an elaborate Baroque cartouche containing his name, titles and diplomatic position in Latin. The finely engraved face, curled hair, lace collar and costume are characteristic of German Baroque portraiture of the period.
The Latin inscription identifies him as a Doctor of Law, Count Palatine and senator of the Republic of Bremen, as well as an envoy of Bremen and the Hanseatic League to the negotiations for the universal peace.
The portrait belongs to the important series of diplomatic portraits associated with Theatrum Europaeum, Volume VI, published in Frankfurt in 1652. This volume documented the political and military events surrounding the conclusion of the Thirty Years' War and included portraits of many of the diplomats and political representatives involved in the Westphalian peace process.
An evocative original historical portrait connecting the Imperial City of Bremen, the Hanseatic League and one of the most significant diplomatic settlements of 17th-century Europe.
SITTER
Gerhard Coch (1601–1660)
MAKER
Matthäus Merian / Merian workshop
PUBLICATION
Theatrum Europaeum, Volume VI
Frankfurt am Main, 1652
DATE
1652
ORIGIN
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
MEDIUM
Original copper engraving / etching on paper
PERIOD / STYLE
Baroque
Mid-17th century
SUBJECT
Gerhard Coch
Peace of Westphalia
Thirty Years' War
Bremen
Hanseatic League
European diplomacy
German political history
INSCRIPTION
Latin inscription within the cartouche:
“GERHARDUS COCH, I.V.D. COMES PALA. REIPUBL. BREMENSIS SENATOR EIUSDEMQ. UT ET HANZAE TEUTONICAE AD TRACTATUS PACIS UNIV. LEGATUS.”
The inscription identifies Coch as Doctor of Law, Count Palatine, senator of Bremen and diplomatic representative of Bremen and the German Hanseatic cities at the negotiations for the universal peace.
CONDITION:
Good antique condition with age-related toning and minor signs of wear consistent with an original work on paper dating from the mid-17th century.
The engraved image itself remains well preserved, with a strong impression and clearly defined engraved detail.
The engraving is currently presented within a large brown paper or card mount. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description.
FRAMING:
Offered unframed. The existing brown mount is included. Any framed or interior photographs shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
AUTHENTICITY:
An original antique 17th-century portrait engraving dating from 1652. This is an original period work and not a modern reproduction.
KEYWORDS:
Gerhard Coch, Peace of Westphalia, Westfälischer Friede, Treaty of Westphalia, Thirty Years' War, Hanseatic League, Hanseatic diplomat, Bremen, Bremen senator, German diplomat, Matthäus Merian, Merian workshop, Theatrum Europaeum, 1652 engraving, Baroque portrait, German Baroque, 17th century portrait, Old Master print, copper engraving, etching, Holy Roman Empire, European diplomacy, German history, antique portrait engraving, historical portrait
