TITLE: Johann Banér, Swedish General of the Thirty Years’ War – Engraving, 1640
DESCRIPTION: Original 17th-century German historical book leaf dated 1640, featuring an engraved portrait of Johann Banér (1596–1641), the celebrated Swedish field marshal and one of the most important Protestant military commanders of the Thirty Years’ War.
Banér is depicted in an oval portrait wearing armor, an elaborate lace collar and a military sash. The surrounding Latin inscription identifies him as “IOHANNES BANNERVS” and refers to his position as a Swedish councillor and military general.
The portrait is incorporated into a contemporary German letterpress page headed “Das Acht und zwanzigste Buch” (The Twenty-Eighth Book), numbered page 511 and dated 1640 in the upper corners. Extensive German text surrounds the portrait and discusses contemporary military events involving Banér.
Johann Banér entered Swedish military service at an early age and became one of the leading commanders of the Swedish forces during the Thirty Years’ War. He served under King Gustavus Adolphus and subsequently commanded Swedish armies in Germany. His campaigns helped maintain Sweden’s military position in the Holy Roman Empire following the death of Gustavus Adolphus in 1632.
Particularly interesting is the date of this print. Published in 1640, it represents Banér during his lifetime, only one year before his death in 1641. It is therefore a contemporary historical image rather than a later commemorative portrait.
An evocative original document from the Thirty Years’ War, combining portraiture, contemporary historical reporting and 17th-century German typography on a single sheet.
SUBJECT: Johann Banér (1596–1641)
DATE: 1640
ORIGIN: Germany
MEDIUM: Copper engraving with letterpress text on laid paper
TYPE: Illustrated historical book leaf
STYLE: Baroque
PERIOD: 17th Century / Thirty Years’ War
INSCRIPTIONS: The portrait is surrounded by a Latin inscription identifying Johann Banér. The page is headed “Das Acht und zwanzigste Buch,” numbered 511 and dated 1640.
CONDITION: Good antique condition considering the age of the sheet. General age-related toning with some scattered foxing, staining and discoloration. Some creasing, handling wear and irregularities are visible toward the margins and edges. Thin paper. The engraved portrait remains strong, dark and remarkably detailed, and the surrounding letterpress text remains clearly legible. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
ATTRIBUTION: The exact publication and engraver have not been established with certainty and are therefore intentionally left unattributed.
ORIGINAL ANTIQUE: This is an original antique 17th-century engraving and book leaf dating from 1640, not a modern reproduction.
SOLD UNFRAMED: The print is offered unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
KEYWORDS: Johann Banér, Johan Baner, Johannes Banner, General Banner, Swedish field marshal, Swedish general, Thirty Years War, Thirty Years’ War, Sweden, Swedish military history, Protestant commander, Gustavus Adolphus, 1640 engraving, 17th century engraving, Baroque portrait, military portrait, copper engraving, letterpress, laid paper, German chronicle, historical book leaf, antique military print, European history, original antique engraving
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