1721 Copper Engraving Portrait Archduke Ernest Austria Habsburg Empire EUM1

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Ertz Herzog Ernst von Österreich." This is a portrait of Archduke Ernest of Austria, son of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II and Maria of Spain, brother of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, member of the Spanish Court, Governor of Austria and Inner Austria, and Governor of the Spanish Netherlands. While Governor of the Archduchy of Austria, Ernest promoted the Catholic Counter-Reformation. The portrait is surrounded by a wonderful decorative motif mimicking a frame set against an etched background. The design features two cherubs flanking an urn that rests upon a stylized and grotesque face at the top of the print and a cascading grape vine design framing the remainder of the portrait, uniting at the bottom center of the print. This piece is accompanied by the original German biographical text printed on a separate sheet and featuring a decorative drop cap, beautiful botanical vignette/headpiece, and tail-piece. CONDITIO