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Gaspare Oselli (c. 1536-1577)

Ernest the Iron, Duke of Austria c.1558-1668

Engraving | 53.7 x 37.6 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 612647

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  • Engraving of Ernestus Ferreus (Ernest the Iron), Duke of Austria. Full length portrait depicted within an architectural setting, featuring a pedestal, engaged columns and a large entablature. Ernest stands, facing left, within the central alcove. He wears a helmet and suit of armour while carrying a baton and sword. Standing either side of him are two allegorical female figures. In the left alcove is an angel supporting a shovel and sceptre while she leans against a wheel, with her breasts exposed. In the right alcove is a female figure wearing a plumed helmet and holding a cylindrical object while her left foot stands upon a lion. The plinth beneath Ernest bears a Latin inscription, 'ERNESTVS FERREVS ARCH. Qui uideat quantus consurgat in arma, decema, Vt stemat manus unauiros, agnoscat at alumnum Sanguine; Mauortis. ut ocia tuta duello Praeferar ancipiti; prognatum Pallade credat.' At the bottom of the plate is another Latin inscription, beginning 'Ferreus Ernestus Leopoldi filius inuicto animo inuictus uiribus praestans...' The print is one of a series completed by Gaspare Osello for Francesco Terzi's Austriacae Gentis Imagines, begun in 1558 and published from 1568 onwards. 

  • Medium and techniques

    Engraving

    Measurements

    53.7 x 37.6 cm (sheet of paper)

    51.3 x 34.6 cm (platemark)

  • Category
    Object type(s)