Portretten van burgemeesters van Zürich

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Swiss artist Conrad Meyer, created in 1678, presents a series of portraits depicting the mayors (Bürgermeister) of Zurich. Measuring just 246 by 158 millimeters, the compact print reflects the civic pride of a prosperous Protestant city-state during the late Baroque period. Meyer, a Zurich native known for his detailed reproductive engravings, captured the likenesses of these officials to document and celebrate local governance. Engraving was a favored medium in the seventeenth century for its ability to produce multiple impressions, allowing such portraits to circulate among collectors and citizens alike. The work underscores Zurich’s tradition of recording its leaders, preserving their images for posterity at a time when printed media helped shape communal identity. A collector’s stamp on the reverse (Lugt 2228) hints at the print’s journey through private hands, reminding viewers of the enduring appeal of these small yet historically rich works.

About the Artist

Conrad Meyer · 1618–1689

Comment on works: Portraits; Figures; Landscapes