Georg III Thurzo of Bethlendorf 1607

Aegidius Sadeler II created this engraving of Georg III Thurzo of Bethlendorf in Prague in 1607. Thurzo was a powerful Hungarian noble, and Sadeler’s print provides insight into the social structures and political maneuvering of the time. The visual codes employed here—the elaborate fur hat, the noble’s stern gaze, and the Latin inscription proclaiming his virtues—were all designed to project an image of authority and legitimacy. The Holy Roman Empire, to which Prague belonged, was a highly stratified society, and portraiture played a crucial role in reinforcing the existing social hierarchy. Institutions such as the imperial court and the Catholic Church were powerful patrons of the arts. This print subtly reinforces their authority by celebrating one of its high-ranking members. To fully understand this image, we can consult genealogical records, political histories, and studies of costume and fashion. By examining such sources, we can gain insight into the complex social forces that shaped the production and reception of art in the 17th century.