Title:
Battle of Lützen 1633 – Typus Cruentissimi Illius Praely by Merian
Subtitle:
Original 17th-Century Engraving of the Battle of Lützen, Thirty Years’ War – Merian, 1633
Description (EN):
This rare copperplate engraving, published in 1633 in Merian’s Theatrum Europaeum, depicts the Battle of Lützen (16 November 1632), one of the decisive engagements of the Thirty Years’ War.
The battle near the city of Lützen, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, pitted the Swedish army under King Gustavus II Adolphus against the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II. Despite Swedish tactical success, the death of King Gustavus Adolphus turned the battle into a somber turning point of the war.
The engraving provides a detailed bird’s-eye battle plan with troop formations, the fortified town of Lützen, and descriptive references below the image. It is signed “M. Merian fecit” in the lower right corner and credited to Joh. Phil. Abelin and Joh. Flittner, who supervised the publication.
Mapmaker – Matthäus Merian the Elder (1593–1650):
Merian was a Swiss engraver and publisher celebrated for his city views, topographical works, and historical battle plans. His monumental series Theatrum Europaeum became one of the most important illustrated chronicles of 17th-century European conflicts.
Key Features:
Large copperplate engraving of the Battle of Lützen (1632)
From Theatrum Europaeum, Frankfurt, 1633
Signed M. Merian fecit
Lettered and numbered legend below the engraving
Historical depiction of King Gustavus Adolphus’ last battle
Size:
Sheet: 72 × 32 cm (28 × 12.75 in)
Image: 69 × 27 cm (27 × 10.5 in)
Condition:
Nice engraving with signs of age. Some folds reinforced on verso. Good antiquarian condition, with descriptive legend below.
Original description by MAPandMAPs – All rights reserved.
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