Aegidius Sadeler: Portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II on horseback (1629)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

A engraving by flemish artist Aegidius Sadeler (1570-1629) of his patron Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II (reign 1619-1637). The engraving very symbolical and shows the emperor as and all-conquering general. On the left of him stands 'IMMOTA' - the symbol of fortitude with the cornucopia (symbol of abundance and nourishment). On the right stands 'INTERRITA' - the symbol of Integrity (she has the same symbols as Justitia). Ferdinand is on horseback which tramples his enemies while above Ferdinand the gods look down in approval. The reign of Ferdinand II was filled with wars and it also marked the start of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). Engraving from 1629.