Legende van de gravin die 360 kinderen baarde in 1276 - Claes Jansz. Visscher (II)

A seventeenth-century Dutch etching by Claes Jansz. Visscher (II) illustrating the legend of the Countess of Henneberg and her 360 children.

This print by Claes Jansz. Visscher (II) depicts the curious Dutch legend of the Countess of Henneberg, who was said to have given birth to 360 children in the year 1276. The work is a fine example of seventeenth-century interest in moralising tales and historical curiosities, often circulated through broadsides and illustrated manuscripts. The central image shows a domestic interior where the countess is surrounded by her numerous offspring, presented with the characteristic precision of Visscher's etching style.

The composition is divided between the visual representation of the event and a substantial block of Latin text. This text serves to authenticate the narrative, citing the account of Andreas Duijckantius from 1620. The inclusion of such detailed calligraphy alongside the print reflects the period's practice of blending visual art with scholarly documentation. The scene itself is rendered with a focus on architectural perspective, showing a fireplace and furniture typical of the era, which grounds the fantastical subject matter in a recognisable setting.

Claes Jansz. Visscher was a prolific publisher and engraver based in Amsterdam. His work often captured the cultural preoccupations of the Dutch Republic, ranging from topographical views to allegorical prints. This specific piece demonstrates the intersection of folklore and early modern record-keeping. The print provides a window into how extraordinary claims were visualised and preserved for public consumption during the seventeenth century. The balance between the etched image and the surrounding manuscript notes creates a document that functions as both an artistic object and a historical record. It is a piece that invites close inspection of both the draughtsmanship and the accompanying narrative script.