Portretten van burgemeesters van Zürich

About this artwork

height 245 mm x width 162 mm

Art Historical Context

This engraving, created by the Swiss artist Johannes Meyer II in 1696, presents a series of portraits depicting the burgomasters (mayors) of Zürich. Measuring just 245 by 162 millimeters, the compact print captures civic leaders in formal attire, reflecting the importance of municipal governance in the Swiss city-state during the late seventeenth century. As an engraving, the work the precision of incised on metal plates, technique prized for its ability to produce multiple impressions and widely distribute images of notable figures. In the Baroque era, such portrait collections served both commemorative and political purposes, celebrating continuity in leadership while reinforcing communal identity. Meyer’s careful rendering highlights the status and character of each mayor, offering viewers a glimpse into Zürich’s administrative heritage. Engravings like this one played a vital role in preserving historical likenesses before photography, allowing later generations to connect with their city’s past through accessible, durable works on paper.