Description

Wenceslaus Hollar (1607–1677), one of the most prolific and accomplished graphic artists of the 17th century. He is known by speakers of German as Wenzel Hollar and by Czech speakers as Václav Hollar. He was born in Prague, died in London, and was buried at St Margaret's Church, Westminster.

His work includes some 400 drawings and 3000 etchings. Hollar produced a variety of works; his plates number some 2740, and include views, portraits, ships, religious subjects, heraldic subjects, landscapes, and still life in many different forms. His architectural drawings, such as those of Antwerp and Strasbourg cathedrals, and his views of towns, are to scale, but are intended as pictures as well. He reproduced decorative works of other artists, as in the famous chalice after Mantegna's drawing.

32,789 pieces, UNC and Proof, were melted by the Czech National Bank in 1999.