WEIGEL, Johann Christian (1654-1726)

[Peter the Great] Petrus Alexewitz Czar et Magnus Dux Moscoviæ

[Augsburg: Published by Martin Engelbrecht, c. 1720, issued c. 1745]. Engraving with thick early colour with gold highlights. Printed on laid paper. Sheet has been re-backed. There is a stain in the bottom margin. Mild creasing and soiling. Image size (including text): 10 5/8 x 7 inches. Sheet size: 14 1/8 x 8 3/4 inches.

Early 18th-century print of Peter the Great.

Peter the Great (1672-1725) was one of the dominant figures of the period and the most famous Czar. He greatly increased Russia's political significance and her territory, at the same time endeavored, with mixed results, to transplant western European cultural values and ways. His beardlessness was an example, and his tax on beards aroused considerable resentment. Johann Christoph Weigel (1654-1726) was a Nuremberg engraver, who provided images of public figures, costume prints, landscapes and maps. Peter's pose and attire was a popular way to represent rulers: i.e. in full armour under a red velvet, ermine lined robe.

Item #15094

Price: $350.00