Landscape containing "Seven Secretly Hidden Silhouettes"

ca. 1793

Not on view

During the French Revolutionary wars, Frankfurt was occupied by French troops for two months in 1792. This puzzle print was likely published soon after by an engraver who lived in the city and challenges the viewer to find hidden profiles of German and French royal figures. The air of secrecy reflects the uncertainly of that time. At center, a generalized royal portrait (evoking the Holy Roman Emperor to whom the city was loyal) sits on a rocky pedestal. Above, an eagle holds a banner that invites the viewer to "Suchet so wirdet ihr Finden" (Seek and Ye Shall Find). Hidden amongst the trees at left are profiles of the Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich II, Prince Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia, and the Electors of Mainz, Trier and Cologne. At right are the profiles of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette of France, described in the text as "unlucky." In 1792 they had been arrested and imprisoned and in 1793 went to the guillotine in January and October respectively.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Landscape containing "Seven Secretly Hidden Silhouettes"
Publisher: Friedrich Ludwig Neubauer (German, 1767–1828)
Subject: Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor (Austrian, Florence 1768–1835 Vienna)
Subject: Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia
Subject: Friedrich Karl Joseph von Erthal, Prince-elector and Archbishop of Mainz (German, Lohr am Main 1719–1802 Aschaffenburg)
Subject: Prince Clemens Wenceslaus of Saxony Archbishop-Elector of Trier (German, Wermsdorf 1739–1812 Marktoberdorf)
Subject: Archduke Maximilian Francis of Austria (Austrian, Vienna 1756–1801 Vienna)
Subject: Louis XVI, King of France (French, Versailles 1754–1793 Paris)
Subject: Marie Antoinette, Queen of France (French (born Austria), Vienna 1755–1792 Paris)
Published in: Frankfurt am Main
Date: ca. 1793
Medium: Etching
Dimensions: Image: 4 3/4 × 5 9/16 in. (12.1 × 14.1 cm)
Sheet: 7 5/8 × 9 3/16 in. (19.3 × 23.4 cm)
Classifications: Albums, Prints
Credit Line: Mary Martin Fund, 2017
Object Number: 2017.51(2)
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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