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1792 German Heraldic Gouache, Ink and Watercolor with Imperial Inscription

$1,375
£1,051.26
€1,210.84
CA$1,926.80
A$2,151.09
CHF 1,127.14
MX$26,331.42
NOK 14,314.66
SEK 13,496.90
DKK 9,036.62

About the Item

18th Century German Heraldic Gouache with Imperial Inscription, 1792 Signed “Herzer”, with reference to Kaiser Ferdinand II, 1623 An exquisite late 18th-century heraldic painting in gouache, ink, and watercolor on laid paper, meticulously executed in vibrant hues of red, gold, cobalt, and black. The artwork features the elaborately quartered coat of arms of the Fürsten von Salm, adorned with six crowned helmets bearing symbolic crests and flanked by swirling foliate mantling in opposing colors. The lower inscription in German references Emperor Ferdinand II and the year 1623—marking the elevation of the Salm family to Imperial princely status within the Holy Roman Empire. The composition is signed lower right, likely by an heraldic artist with the surname of Herzer, and includes a later pencil inscription at the upper right: “To Kathy, Love Dad, 1958.” Custom framed in a gold painted wood frame. During the 18th century, heraldic art was a specialized field, often practiced by artists affiliated with noble families or heraldic institutions. These artists were responsible for designing and illustrating coats of arms, which were significant symbols of identity and status. The absence of detailed records about many such artists is common, as their works were frequently commissioned for private use and not widely documented. This work is signed “Herzer,” a currently unidentified heraldic painter active in the late 18th century. Stylistically, the piece aligns with the richly detailed gouache heraldry produced in the courts of the Holy Roman Empire. The composition, with its vibrant coloration, multiple crowned crests, and elaborate mantling, is reminiscent of artists such as Franz Joseph Lederer and reflects the enduring influence of Johann Siebmacher’s armorial tradition. It likely served a commemorative or legitimizing function tied to imperial titles or noble lineage. Dimensions: Sight: 9.5" H x 7.5" W Frame: 11" H x 9.25" W Condition: Good overall. Colors are remarkably vivid. Not examined out of frame. Frame shows minor edge wear consistent with age. Provenance: Gifted in 1958. Property from a private New Jersey collection.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1790-1799
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1792
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Morristown, NJ
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5990244442872

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