Emperor Matthias 1614

Aegidius Sadeler II's 1614 engraving, *Emperor Matthias*, is a dynamic composition depicting the Holy Roman Emperor Matthias surrounded by allegorical figures, including angels, cherubs, and personifications of virtues. The central portrait of the Emperor, dressed in his regal armor, is framed by a wreath of laurel and set against a background of swirling clouds and celestial imagery, emphasizing his power and divinity. The surrounding figures symbolize the Emperor's triumphs and the virtues he embodies. This work, a prime example of the Baroque style, is a testament to Sadeler II's masterful skill in engraving and his ability to capture both the grandeur and complexity of the subject matter.