PARLAMENTUM LONDINENSE: WENCESLAUS HOLLAR, TRIAL OF THE EARL OF STRAFFORD, ETCHING17th-Century Etched print titled "Abbildung der Session des Parlaments zu London über den Sententz des Grafen von Stafford" (Illustration of the Session of Parliament in London concerning the Sentence of the Earl of Strafford), by the Bohemian etcher Wenceslaus Hollar, depicting the trial of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, in the House of Lords in 1641. The composition shows a densely populated view into the packed chamber, with a detailed alphabetical key below identifying the King's "Seate of State," the Earls, Viscounts, Barons, Knights, and the Earl of Strafford himself. Framed. Not examined out of frame. 10.5 x 11 inches; frame: 15.5 x 16.5 inches $250-350
ARTIST PROFILE: Wenceslaus Hollar (1607–1677): Hollar was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter born in Prague on July 23, 1607. He was one of the principal topographical engravers of the seventeenth century, having trained under the engraver and publisher Matthaus Merian in Frankfurt before meeting Thomas Howard, second Earl of Arundel, who brought him to England in 1636 to etch works from his art collection. He often created cityscapes and landscapes, including vedutas, and no other artist recorded so many aspects of seventeenth-century English life as did Hollar, covering everything from architectural views and maps to costumes, portraits, and contemporary events such as the trial of the Earl of Strafford. His plates depicting views of London before and after the Great Fire of 1666 are among the most valuable printmaking accomplishments in the world, and his overall body of work numbers some 2,740 plates. He died in London and was buried at St Margaret's Church, Westminster.
