Matrona Bernensis

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.

1645

Captured by parliamentary forces, he escapes

Hollar joins the Royalist Regiment and is captured by parliamentary forces in 1645 during the siege of Basing House; after a short time he manages to escape.

1646

After Arundel’s death he works for authors and publishers

After the earl’s death in Padua in 1646, Hollar earns his living by working for various authors and publishers, which becomes his primary means of distribution.

1646

Meets Arundel again in Antwerp

In Antwerp in 1646 Hollar again meets the Earl of Arundel, in whose household he had lived for many years.

1646–1652

Works in Antwerp during the Civil Wars

During the unrest of the Civil Wars he works in Antwerp, where he produces many of his most renowned works: Dutch cityscapes, seascapes, depictions of nature, his “muffs” and “shells”.

1652

Returns to London

In 1652 he returns to London and lives for a time with the engraver William Faithorne near Temple Bar.