Raimondo Montecuccoli

This 17th-century engraved portrait of Raimondo Montecuccoli presents the famed Imperial field marshal in a composed, formal bust-length likeness. The design originates from Jan de Herdt, a leading Flemish draughtsman active in Central Europe, and the engraving was executed by Franciscus van der Steen, one of the principal printmakers working in Vienna during the reign of Leopold I. Issued by Giovanni Battista Hacque, the portrait was likely produced for Galeazzo Gualdo Priorato's Historia di Leopoldo Cesare (Vienna, 1670-1674), an extensive illustrated chronicle of Habsburg political and military affairs. The print reflects the high standard of Viennese engraving of the period, combining clear linear work with careful modeling to emphasize Montecuccoli's status as one of the foremost commanders and military theorists of the 17th century.