Wenceslaus Hollar was one of Europe’s greatest original etchers of the seventeenth century. He first studied under Matthaus Merian in Prague and, shortly after, he was employed as a topographical engraver by the touring Earl of Arundel. After accepting an invitation from the Earl to reside at an English estate, Hollar spent most of the remainder of his life in England. His art covers portrait, illustrative, costume, topographical and architectural subjects. He is regarded as a master etcher in all these fields.