1721 Copper Engraving Portrait Alfonso II d'Este Duke Ferrara House Este EUM3

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Alphonsus Hertzog von Ferrara." This is a portrait of Alfonso II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara from 1559 to 1597 and a member of the House of Este. He was the son of Ercole II d'Este and Renée of France. The portrait is framed by a wonderful decorative motif featuring a shell and botanical design at the top of the image with columns flanking the portrait. This piece is accompanied by the original German biographical text printed on a separate sheet and features a decorative drop cap and an exquisite vignette comprised of two birds within an ornate botanical design that surrounds a central image of a nude woman and two cherubs. CONDITIONThis 290+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light foxing and aging - top margin. No creases. No natural defects.No surface rub.No tears. No water damage. Please note: There is a plate impression bordering the image in this print and there is light offsetting from the facing page on