Titelprent voor: Johann Philipp Abelinus. Theatri Europaei, das ist: Historischer Chronik (...) biss auf das Jahr 1633. Merian, Frankfurt a.M., 1673 1633

This engraving from 1673 by Matthäus Merian, is the title page for Johann Philipp Abelinus’s historical chronicle documenting events up to 1633. It’s a complex allegorical scene reflecting the tumultuous times of the Thirty Years' War, a conflict deeply rooted in religious and political tensions across Europe. The imagery is rich with symbolism. At the top, Time rides a winged stag, while below, figures representing Truth and historical writing flank the title. But it’s the bottom section that really captures the emotional toll of war. Here, figures labeled "Mendacium" (Lies), "Fraus" (Deceit), and "Oblivio" (Oblivion) huddle in a cave. These figures speak to the way war obscures truth and memory. Merian uses this composition to deliver a powerful message about the importance of historical accuracy amidst conflict. He grapples with the challenge of representing historical events in a way that reveals rather than obscures the truth.