1721 Copper Engraving Portrait Andrew Bathory Prince Transylvania Cardinal EUM3

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Andreas Bathori." This is a portrait of Andrew Báthory, Prince of Transylvania, Prince-Bishop of Warmia, Hungarian Roman Catholic Cardinal, and Grand Master of the Order of the Dragon, a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility. Structured after the military orders of the Crusades, the Order of the Dragon required its members to defend the Cross, fighting the enemies of Christianity, especially the Ottoman Turks. 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 a separate sheet and features a decorative drop cap; an exquisite vignette that two-headed Quarter Eagle and the Crown of the Austrian