Portret van Franz von Sickingen 1778

This 1778 etching by Aegid (II) Verhelst depicts Franz von Sickingen, a German knight and a key figure in the German Reformation. The portrait, which is housed in the Rijksmuseum, shows Sickingen in profile, clad in armor and a feathered hat. The etching is detailed, with intricate engravings depicting the knight's armor, the background foliage, and his family crest. Verhelst, known for his portraits and historical etchings, captured Sickingen's stern countenance and noble bearing in this work. The portrait exemplifies Verhelst's skill in capturing the personalities of his subjects through detailed engravings.