Portret van Josias, graaf van Waldeck - Elias Nessenthaler

A detailed 18th-century engraving by Elias Nessenthaler depicting Josias, Count of Waldeck, in formal military attire.

This engraving by Elias Nessenthaler depicts Josias, Count of Waldeck, presented within a formal oval frame. The composition follows the conventions of early eighteenth-century portraiture, focusing on the subject's status and military bearing. The Count is shown in three-quarter view, wearing armour that suggests his role as a commander, complemented by a cravat tied at the neck. His expression is composed, with long, flowing hair characteristic of the period's aristocratic fashion.

Nessenthaler employs precise line work to define the textures of the metal armour and the soft fabric of the cravat. The background within the oval is rendered with horizontal hatching, which creates a subtle depth and draws the viewer's attention to the subject. Below the portrait, the Latin inscription details the titles and military responsibilities of the Count, including his service as a commander in the defence of Candia against the Turks. This text provides essential historical context, identifying the sitter as a figure of significant political and military standing in the Holy Roman Empire.

As a printmaker, Nessenthaler was active in Augsburg, a centre for the production of high-quality engravings during this era. His work often involved the documentation of nobility and historical figures, contributing to the visual record of the European aristocracy. The print is executed with a technical clarity that allows for the reproduction of fine details, from the individual strands of hair to the reflective surfaces of the armour. This piece is a representative example of the portrait engraving tradition, where the marriage of technical skill and heraldic information served to preserve the identity and achievements of the sitter for posterity.