
Wenceslaus HollarCzech, English, 1607–1677May one see it?
Cambridge, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
13 July 1607
Born
until 1625
Decides to become an artist after his family’s ruin
After his family was financially ruined by the Sack of Prague in the Thirty Years’ War, the young Hollar, who had been destined for the legal profession, decided to become an artist.
1636
Meets the Earl of Arundel
The famous nobleman and art collector Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel, then on a diplomatic mission to the imperial court of Emperor Ferdinand II, takes notice of him. Hollar is employed as a draftsman.
1637
Moves to England with Arundel
In 1637 he goes with Arundel to England, where he remains in the earl’s household for many years.
1643–1644
Endures the siege of Basing House with fellow royalist artists
With other royalist artists, notably Inigo Jones and the engraver William Faithorne, he stands the long siege of Basing House; some hundred plates by his hand are dated 1643 and 1644. The Civil War, despite his productivity, adversely affected his income.
25 March 1677
Died