How one entered the church (Folgt wie man zur Kirchen gangen), from a series depicting the wedding of Wolfgang Wilhelm, Duke of Pfalz-Neuberg, Pfalzgraf, and Magdalena, Duchess of Bavaria, in Munich, 1613 (Plate 4)

Art Historical Context

This etching by Wilhelm Peter Zimmermann captures a lively moment from the grand 1613 wedding celebrations of Wolfgang Wilhelm, Duke of Pfalz-Neuberg, and Magdalena, Duchess of Bavaria, held in Munich. Created the following year as Plate 4 in a commemorative series, the print shows the procession entering the church, with architectural details framing a bustling crowd of attendees. Zimmermann, working in the early 17th century, specialized in such festive prints that documented courtly events for wider audiences. The work belongs to the tradition of “fete prints,” which blended reportage with ornamental flair to preserve the splendor of royal occasions. Its modest size and etching technique allowed for detailed yet reproducible images of architecture and gatherings, making elite ceremonies accessible beyond the court. Today in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, it offers a vivid glimpse into early modern European pageantry and the role of printmaking in recording history.