Rudolf I verslaat Ottokar II in Wenen

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowie, a prolific Polish-German artist and director of the Berlin Academy Arts, created this etching *Rudolf I verslaat Ottokar in Wenen* in 1783. Measuring a compact 180mm by 145mm, the work exemplifies Chodowiecki's mastery of small-scale printmaking, where intricate lines capture dramatic historical moments. Etching, a technique involving acid biting into a metal plate to form recessed lines for inking, allowed for detailed reproductions ideal for books and collections, making art accessible beyond elite patrons. The scene depicts a pivotal 13th-century clash: Rudolf I of Habsburg's decisive victory over Ottokar II of Bohemia near Vienna in 1278, at the Battle of Dürnkrut and Jedenspeigen. This triumph marked the rise of the Habsburg dynasty, securing their Austrian lands and reshaping Central European power for centuries. Chodowiecki, known for his narrative-driven illustrations blending Rococo elegance with emerging Neoclassicism, infused such events with vivid energy, educating 18th-century audiences on their cultural heritage. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228, this print highlights its prized status among connoisseurs. Chodowiecki produced over 2,000 etchings in his lifetime, blending historical accuracy with emotional storytelling to bridge past and present for everyday viewers.

About the Artist

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki · 1726–1801

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki (1726–1801) was a German painter and printmaker of Polish-Huguenot descent who became the most celebrated graphic artist in 18th-century Germany. Born in Danzig (now Gdańsk), he created approximately 2,000 etchings that serve as an invaluable visual record of German bourgeois life during the Enlightenment. Largely self-taught, Chodowiecki moved to Berlin in 1743 and ach...