Plate 8: Emperor Maximilian II granting a crown to the coat of arms of Amsterdam, from Caspar Barlaeus, "Medicea Hospes"

Art Historical Context

Step into the grandeur of 17th-century Amsterdam with *Plate 8: Emperorilian II Granting a Crown to the of Arms of Amsterdam*, an exquisite etching from Caspar Barlaeus's *Medicea Hospes* (1638). Created through a stellar collaboration—publishers Joan and Cornelius Blaeu, engraver Pieter Nolpe, Claes Moeyaert, and author Barlaeus—this print captures a ceremonial moment. At its heart, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian IIows an imperial crown upon Amsterdam's heraldic shield, surrounded by soldiers with spears, kings, and noblemen in a festive tableau evoking triumph and privilege. Produced during Marie de' Medici's lavish state visit to Amsterdam that year, *Medicea Hospes* ("The Medici Guest") celebrated the exiled French queen's reception with a series of ornate plates blending history and allegory. This etching, classified under Prints-Fête and Ornament & Architecture, highlights the Dutch Golden Age's mastery of printmaking. Etching allowed for intricate details in the dynamic figures and symbolic motifs, making such works affordable yet sumptuous commemorations shared across Europe. Measuring a trimmed 11 13/16 × 15 3/8 inches, this piece from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection invites us to ponder Amsterdam's rising prestige under Habsburg favor, a nod to the city's commercial and cultural zenith. A window into royal pageantry and civic pride!

About the Artist

Joan and Cornelius Blaeu|Pieter Nolpe|Claes Moeyaert|Caspar Barlaeus (Dutch|Netherlandish|Dutch|Dutch) · 1591 | |1613 | –1655 | |1614 |

Dutch, Amsterdam 1591–1655 Amsterdam| |Dutch, 1613/1614–1652/1653|Dutch