Art Institute of Chicago
Portrait of Emperor Matthias
Aegidius SadelerLinkedCulture matchlcp-2f9529dae7c3
- Date
- 1614
- Medium
- Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
- Culture
- Flanders
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Object ID
- 222243
From the Art Institute of Chicago record
This portrait was made only a few years after Matthias forced his brother Rudolf II to relinquish control of the Holy Roman Empire. Surrounding the sculpted bust of Matthias is a wreath with medallion portraits of earlier Habsburg emperors (including Rudolf II). The placement of the Roman god Mercury and goddess Minerva on either side signify Matthias’s eloquence and wisdom, respectively. The subjects of his realm, shown at the bottom wearing western and Turkish clothing, look up at him with awe and reverence. Above, the Three Graces rain down jewels, flowers, and fruit—signs of prosperity and abundance.
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Provenance & credit
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- Credit line
- The Amanda S. Johnson and Marion J. Livingston Fund
Linked open data
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- Object type
- AAT300041273
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