1653 – M. Merian – Ioannes Casimirus Vasa

Title:              “IOANNES CASIMIRVS DEI GRATIA REX Poloniae, Mag: Dux Lithuaniae, Russiae, Prussiae, Masoviae, Samogitiae, Livoniae, Smolenscie, Severiae, Czernihoviaeque; nec non Suecorum, Gothorum, Vandalorumque Haereditarius Rex.”​
​
Description:

Rare and highly detailed copper engraving portrait of John II Casimir Vasa (Polish: Jan II Kazimierz Waza), first edition, who served as King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1648 to 1668. He is depicted in a bust-length portrait wearing plate armor, reflecting his role as a military leader during a period of frequent conflict. Around his neck, he wears the Order of the Golden Fleece.

John II Casimir was the last ruler of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the Swedish Vasa dynasty. His reign was defined by “The Deluge,” a series of devastating wars against Sweden and Russia. Eventually, facing political opposition and a lack of support for state reforms, he abdicated the throne in 1668 and moved to France, where he died in 1672.

The print comes from Matthäus Merian book “Theatri Europaei continuati septennium: Das ist, Sieben-Jährige Historisch-außgeführte Friedens- und Kriegs-Beschreibung vom Jahr 1647 biß 1651…Tom. VI.” engraved by Peter Aubri, published in Frankfurt, 1653.

Author:                 Matthaus Merian (1593 – 1650)
Sheet size:           21,6 x 16,7 cm
Year:                     1653
Technique:          copper engraving

Condition:
Very good, original condition. Watermarked paper

This is an original antique map published in 1653 and NOT a modern copy or reprint

On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity