Wolfgang Kilian, “Triumphal Arch for Emperor Ferdinand III”, 1652

Wolfgang Kilian (1581–1662)
“Triumphal Arch for Emperor Ferdinand III” (also known as “Vera delineatio portae triumphalis...” [True depiction of the triumphal arch] [see https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb45953798z]), 1652

Technical Details & Condition:
Etching on fine laid paper with small margins, backed on a support sheet. The depicted arch was a temporary structure erected to celebrate peace in Germany following the Thirty Years’ War (the Peace of Westphalia), marking the entry of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III (1608–1657) into Regensburg (Ratisbonne) for the opening of the Imperial Diet (Comitia) on December 12, 1652. This impression was printed and published with royal privilege of Ferdinand III by Georg Christoph Eimmart (also known as Georg Christoph Eimart the Younger) (1638–1705) in 1653.

The impression is particularly strong—undoubtedly a lifetime impression judging by the quality of line. Aside from minor restored fractures on the outer edges, the sheet remains in good condition with no significant tears or stains.

Dimensions:
• Sheet: 60 x 42.5 cm
• Platemark: 57.3 x 41.8 cm
• Inner image borderline: 50.6 x 41.4 cm

Plate Lettering:
• Upper centre: “VERA DELINEATIO PORTÆ TRIVMPHALIS QVAM INVICTISSI/ mo Rom. Imperatori FE[R]DINANDO III, cum parta pace in GERMANIA sua CÆS. MAJESTAS primum verbem. Ratisp: ad COMITIA ingrederetur,/ laudatiss: Senatus ibidem, in signum submissæ gratulationis, et summæ devotionis, erigi curavit, Anno 1652. d. 12. Decemb.”
• Centre (on arch finial): “FIRMAMENTA REGNORVM/ QVIBVS.”
• Below border at lower left: “Woffgang Kilian Sculpsit.”
• Below border at lower centre: “Andv Theil der Ehren Porten welche der Röm: Kay: May: Unserm aller/ gnädigsten Herren Herren Ferdinand dem Dritten [et]c. Zu allen underthänigsten ehren, vnd glückwünschung, als Sei/ne Kay: May: nach geschlossenem allgemeinem teutschen frieden, zu dem in Regenspurg angesteltem Ersten Reichstag Ihren/ Kayserl: Einzug gehalten, Von Einem Löblichen Rath daselbsten, auffgerichtet worden. Geschehen Anno 1652. den 12. Decemb./ Verfertigt, vnd in Druck gebracht auch Allerhöchst gedachter Kan: May: in tieffester demuth dedicirt von Georg Christoph Eimmardt/ Mahler vnd Conterfetter in der Kays: Freyen Reichs Statt Regenspurg.”
(Translation: “And part of the honourary gate which the Roman Emperor May, to our most gracious lord Ferdinand III, etc., in all humble honour and congratulations, as His Imperial Majesty, after the conclusion of the general German peace, made His Imperial entry to the First Diet convened in Regensburg, was erected by a laudable council there. Done in the year 1652, on the 12th of December. Prepared and printed, and also dedicated in deepest humility by the aforementioned Emperor May by Georg Christoph Eimmardt, painter and portraitist in the Imperial Free City of Regensburg.”)
• Below border at lower right: “Cum grafia & Privil: S. Cæsareæ Maiest :”

References:
• Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://collections.lacma.org/node/248470 (Note: The MET describes the arch as being for Ferdinand II in Regensburg, which may be an oversight.)
• Hollstein.XVIII.133.104
• Nagler.VII.12.2
• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kupferstich_-_Triumphbogen_f%C3%BCr_Kaiser_Ferdinand_anl%C3%A4sslich_seines_Einzugs_in_Regensburg_1652.jpg

Price & Shipping:
AU$398 (approximately US$268.68 / €229.32 / £199.96), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this rare and significant etching—remarkably absent from the collections of the British Museum or the Rijksmuseum—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.