Fireworks display celebrating the end of the Thirty Years War, Nuremberg, 1650

Art Historical Context

This etching captures a jubilant fireworks display in Nuremberg on August 8, 1650, marking the anniversary of the Peace of Westphalia, ended the devastating Thirty Years' War in 1648. After three decades of religious and political conflict that ravaged Europe—claiming millions of lives—this grand public spectacle symbolized relief, unity, and renewed in the Holy Roman Empire. Nuremberg, prosperous imperial city, hosted elaborate celebrations with rockets, Catherine wheels, and exploding fireworks illuminating the night sky above throngs of cheering crowds, as depicted in intricate detail. Created as a collaborative etching by Nuremberg artists Peter Troschel and Michael Herr, with possible anonymous contributions, the print exemplifies 17th-century German printmaking. Etching allowed for fine, expressive lines that convey the chaos and excitement of the event—billowing smoke, sparkling bursts, and dense figures in period attire. Classified under "Prints-Fête," it reflects the era's fascination with festive architecture and ornamentation, serving as both historical document and souvenir for those unable to attend. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1953), this 8 x 12-inch sheet offers a vivid glimpse into Baroque-era revelry, highlighting how art preserved communal joy amid Europe's turbulent history.