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Portrait of Johannes Henisius by Wolfgang and Lucas Kilian, Augsburg, 1638
About the Item
Description of the print:
This is a detailed and symbolic line engraving from 1638, portraying Johannes Henisius (Johann Heins), a distinguished physician, philosopher, and poet laureate of his time. Engraved by Wolfgang Kilian after a design by Lucas Kilian, the portrait is framed within an elaborate architectural setting that emphasizes Henisius's intellectual achievements and honors.
Translation of the Latin text:
"Johannes Henisius, a native of Ulm, Doctor of Philosophy and Medicine, Count Palatine, Knight of Saint Mark by imperial decree, Patrician of Verona, Poet Laureate, Electoral Physician of Bavaria, and Dean of the Medical College of Augsburg, in the 53rd year of his life, in the year of human salvation 1638."
At the center, Henisius is depicted in half-length, dressed in fine robes with a lace collar, holding a book in one hand. His expression is serene, projecting wisdom and authority. Above the portrait, two cherubs hold a wreath of laurel, signifying his poetic and scholarly accomplishments, while rays of light suggest divine approval.
Flanking the portrait, allegorical figures add symbolic meaning to his life’s work: on the left, a figure representing virtue and knowledge leans on a pillar labeled "Absolve Pvo" (likely referring to purity or absolution), and on the right, a skeleton labeled "Mors et Pestis" (Death and Plague) holds an hourglass and a scroll, signifying the inevitability of death and the medical profession's struggle against disease.
Beneath the portrait, there is an inscribed cartouche with a poetic dedication to Henisius, praising his achievements and his fight against the plague. Additional symbols, such as vials and scientific instruments, are placed around the figure of death, emphasizing Henisius's medical expertise.
Overall, the engraving celebrates the life, intellect, and professional contributions of Johannes Henisius, portraying him as a learned and respected figure in both the arts and sciences during the 17th century.
The creators of this engraving are Wolfgang Kilian (practicing as the engraver) and Lucas Kilian (the designer), both belonging to a renowned family of engravers active in Augsburg, Germany, during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
### Wolfgang Kilian (1581–1662)
Wolfgang Kilian, the engraver of this piece, was a prominent member of the Kilian family of artists. He specialized in detailed portrait engravings, historical prints, and allegorical compositions. Born in Augsburg, Wolfgang was the son of Bartholomäus Kilian the Elder, and like his brother, Lucas Kilian, he developed a reputation for producing intricate and masterful copper engravings.
Wolfgang Kilian is noted for the precision of his engravings and his ability to create a strong sense of texture and depth. His works often exhibit intricate linework and fine detail, as evidenced in this portrait of Johannes Henisius. Wolfgang's career spanned several decades, and his works helped solidify the Kilian family’s standing as one of the leading engraving dynasties in Augsburg.
### Lucas Kilian (1579–1637)
Lucas Kilian, who designed the portrait, was the elder brother of Wolfgang and an equally significant figure in the history of engraving. He was also trained in Augsburg, under the guidance of his father, Bartholomäus Kilian, before studying with the celebrated Flemish artist Hendrick Goltzius in the Netherlands. Lucas brought back a refined technique and a broader stylistic influence from his studies in the Netherlands, which is evident in the elegance of his designs.
Lucas was known for his portraiture, but he also designed works of historical and religious significance. He worked with many of the great scholars and figures of his time, producing not only portraits but also complex allegorical and symbolic compositions. His designs often integrated intellectual symbolism, as seen in this engraving, which features cherubs, allegorical figures, and detailed architectural elements. Lucas Kilian's contributions to German engraving are profound, and he helped shape the Baroque style in German printmaking.
### The Kilian Family Legacy
The Kilian family, with Wolfgang and Lucas as its most prominent members, was integral to the flourishing of the art of engraving in 17th-century Augsburg. The city was a major center of art and culture during the Holy Roman Empire, and the Kilians contributed significantly to its artistic reputation. They produced works that were not only visually impressive but also intellectually rich, often collaborating with scholars, scientists, and poets.
This engraving of Johannes Henisius stands as a fine example of the Kilian family’s artistry, blending portraiture with allegory to commemorate a learned figure of the time. It illustrates the meticulous craftsmanship of Wolfgang Kilian and the sophisticated design sense of Lucas Kilian, marking them as key figures in the German Baroque engraving tradition.
- Dimensions:Height: 16.93 in (43 cm)Width: 13 in (33 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1630-1639
- Date of Manufacture:1638
- Condition:Condition: fair, given age. Light creasing and general age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. No margin outside the image. One small hole in text, hardly noticeable. Please study scans carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13836-31stDibs: LU3054341777222
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