1721 Copper Engraving Cesare D'Este Duke Modena Reggio House Este Italy EUM3

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Cesar von Este Hertzog von Modena." This is a portrait of Cesare d'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio from 1597 to 1628. He was the son of Alfonso d'Este, Marquis of Montecchio and Giulia della Rovere. The House of Este lost the Duchy of Ferrara back to the Papal States during his reign (1598), as Pope Clement VIII refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Este's succession, thus making Ferrara nominally a Papal fief. The portrait is surrounded by a wonderful decorative motif mimicking a frame set against an etched background. The design features a subtly ornate frame with two sets of drapes resting atop a base with a decorative broach-like oval framed by two additional cherubs draped in a botanical design. This piece is accompanied by the original German biographical text printed on two separate sheets featuring a decorative drop cap and a beautiful and ornate botanical vignette. CONDITIONThis 290+ year old Item is rate