Artwork

Ernest of Holstein, Schawenburg and Sternberg, Prince of Holy Roman Empire

Ernest of Holstein, Schawenburg and Sternberg, Prince of Holy Roman Empire is an ink print by the Baroque artist Lucas Kilian. It dates from 1623 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The style of this portrait is characteristic of the Baroque movement, known for its dramatic lighting and detailed ornamentation.

This engraving from 1623 is a portrait of a man, likely a noble or royal figure. He wears a suit of armor adorned with a sash and has a mustache and curly hair. The background is dark, with some shading that suggests depth.

A notable detail is the intricate design around the portrait, featuring various figures and symbols. This suggests a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The style of this portrait is characteristic of the Baroque movement, known for its dramatic lighting and detailed ornamentation. For more on this style, look into the Baroque movement.

Overview

This 1623 engraving by Lucas Kilian presents a formal portrait of Ernest of Holstein, Schawenburg and Sternberg, a Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. Characterized by meticulous detail and ornate framing, the work exemplifies the portrait engraving tradition of early 17th-century Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Ernest of Holstein, is depicted in armor with a sash, mustache, and curly hair, conveying nobility and status. The image emphasizes individual likeness and rank, typical of the period's portraiture.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Baroque style, the engraving features dramatic shading, suggesting depth against a dark background. Intricate borders with figures and symbols highlight Kilian's craftsmanship and adherence to Baroque ornamentation principles.

History & Provenance

Created by Lucas Kilian (1579-?), a renowned German engraver and etcher, in Augsburg's Custos workshop. Kilian was prominent for his portrait engravings, with this work being a notable example from his oeuvre.

Context

Part of the early 17th-century engraved portrait tradition, this work reflects the era's focus on capturing likeness and conveying social status through detailed, formally composed images.