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A central portrait of Emperor Matthias surrounded by a complex array of allegorical figures and emblems.

A complex allegorical print with a naturalistic portrait of Emperor Matthias on a pedestal, imitating a sculpted bust of a Roman Emperor, surrounded by a wreath with ten medallions containing portraits of Habsburg ancestors. The central portrait is flanked on either side by allegorical figures, symbolizing the emperor’s wisdom and devotion. Below the portrait, subjects of Matthias’s realm look up to him in awe, while from the heavens putti descend carrying his imperial scepter and crown. Three graces bestow fruits, flowers and jewels on the emperor, while Fame blows her horn and Intelligence and Fortitude carry his portrait.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2021.360
People
Aegidius Sadeler II, Flemish (Antwerp 1570 - 1629 Prague)
Title
Allegorical Portrait of the Hapsburg Emperor Matthias
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
1614
Culture
Flemish
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/370326

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Engraving on off-white antique laid paper
Technique
Engraving
Dimensions
sheet: 66 × 41.9 cm (26 × 16 1/2 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: in plate, lower center: DIVO MATTHIAE CAES. / AVGVST. AC GERMANIAE / HVNGAR: BOHEM: DAL / MAT: CROAT: SCLAVON: / ETC: REGI, ARCHIDVCI / AVSTRIAE, DVCI BVR / GVNDIAE: ETC. COM:TY: / ROL: ETC. P.P.P. FE:
  • inscription: in plate, lower center: CVUM PRIVIL: S.C.M. / SAC. CAES, EIVSDEM MAI. SCVLPTOR EGIDIVS SADELER, AD VIVVM DELINEAVIT, ET IN DEVOTI ANIMI SIGNVM DD.
  • inscription: verso, center, brown ink: Naudet [?] au Louvre 1791 [Lugt 1937]
  • inscription: verso, lower right, graphite: 117
  • inscription:

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Naudet, Paris [Lugt 1937]. [Hill-Stone, New York] sold; to Mariot F. Solomon, Cambridge, 2010, bequest; to Harvard Art Museums, 2021

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

State
ii or iii/iii
Standard Reference Number
Hollstein 310; Wurzbach 141

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Arthur K. and Mariot F. Solomon Collection
Accession Year
2021
Object Number
2021.360
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
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Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu