Portrait of Manfred of Sicily - Lucas Kilian

A detailed seventeenth-century copperplate engraving by Lucas Kilian, depicting the profile of Manfred of Sicily in full armour.

This engraving by Lucas Kilian depicts Manfred of Sicily, the thirteenth-century monarch of Naples. Kilian, a prolific printmaker from Augsburg, utilised the precise techniques of the copperplate engraving tradition to render this historical figure. The portrait presents Manfred in profile, encased within an oval frame that reflects the decorative conventions of the early seventeenth century. He wears full plate armour, complete with a plumed helmet, which serves to communicate his status as a warrior-king.

The composition includes heraldic elements at the base, flanked by small figures, which provide a sense of formal structure to the print. The Latin inscription, 'MANFREDVS SPVRIVS', refers to his illegitimate birth, a detail often noted in historical accounts of his life. The surrounding cartouche and the inclusion of coats of arms demonstrate the period interest in genealogy and the documentation of royal lineages through print media.

Kilian employs fine cross-hatching to create depth and shadow across the metal surfaces of the armour, demonstrating his technical proficiency. The background within the oval frame is textured with horizontal lines, which helps to isolate the figure and draw attention to the profile. Below the main image, the text provides context regarding his reign and death. This work is typical of the portrait series produced during the Baroque era, where historical figures were often reimagined through the lens of contemporary printmaking styles. The paper shows signs of age, consistent with its production in the early 1600s, and the print remains a clear example of the intersection between historical record and artistic craft in the German tradition.