About this sheet
Set of Four Peace of Westphalia Portrait Engravings by Matthäus Merian II, 1652
A rare and highly decorative matching set of four original 17th-century portrait engravings from Matthäus Merian's celebrated Theatrum Europaeum, Volume VI, published in Frankfurt in 1652.
The four engravings portray statesmen and diplomatic representatives associated with the Peace of Westphalia and the complex negotiations that brought an end to the Thirty Years' War.
All four originate from the same publication and have remained together as a particularly attractive and historically coherent group.
The portraits depict:
Jodocus Christophorus Kress von Kressenstein (1597–1663), Nuremberg statesman, senator and diplomat, represented as an envoy in the negotiations for the universal peace.
Zacharias Stenglin (1604–1674), jurist and diplomat who represented Frankfurt am Main during the Westphalian peace negotiations.
Sebastian Otto, councillor and representative of the Imperial City of Ulm, whose inscription identifies him as a delegate connected with the peace negotiations at Münster.
Johann Conrad Varnbüler (1595–1657), Württemberg statesman and diplomat who represented Württemberg during the negotiations leading to the Peace of Westphalia.
Each sitter is presented within an elaborate oval portrait surround above an ornamental Baroque cartouche bearing his name, titles and diplomatic position in Latin. The exceptionally fine engraved lines used to describe the faces, hair, costumes and backgrounds are characteristic of sophisticated German portrait engraving of the mid-17th century.
The engravings were produced in the immediate aftermath of the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, one of the defining political events of early modern Europe. The treaties concluded at Münster and Osnabrück ended the Thirty Years' War within the Holy Roman Empire and substantially reshaped the political and diplomatic order of Europe.
Their shared provenance from the same 1652 publication makes this group particularly appealing as a collection. Displayed together, the four portraits provide a fascinating visual record of the diplomats and political representatives involved in this pivotal period of European history.
PUBLICATION:
Theatrum Europaeum, Volume VI
Frankfurt am Main, heirs of Matthäus Merian, 1652
PERIOD / STYLE:
Baroque
Mid-17th century
MEDIUM:
Original copper engravings on paper
SUBJECT:
Peace of Westphalia
Thirty Years' War
European diplomacy
German statesmen and diplomats
Holy Roman Empire
Münster and Osnabrück peace negotiations
CONDITION:
Excellent antique condition. The four engravings are remarkably well preserved for works dating from 1652, with strong impressions and finely defined engraved detail. Only minor signs of age and handling consistent with original 17th-century works on paper.
Each engraving is loosely preserved in a light, thin protective paper cover. The engravings are not permanently attached to these covers and can be removed.
Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description.
FRAMING:
The four engravings are offered unframed. Any framed photographs or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
Their matching origin, subject and format make them particularly suitable for framing and displaying together as a group of four.
AUTHENTICITY:
A matching set of four original antique engravings from the 1652 publication. These are genuine 17th-century prints and not later reproductions.
