The Murder of Albrecht of Wallenstein and His Generals in Cheb on February 15, 1634

Matthäus Merian the Elder, the founder of the Merian family of engravers and publishers, engraved numerous series of prints and publications, including Theatrum Europearum. Eleven volumes were issued between 1635 and 1723, which were continued by Merian’s descendants. A sheet was incorporated into the third volume of Theatrum Europearum, depicting the premeditated murder of the famous military commander, Duke Albrecht von Wallenstein of Frýdlant, that occurred on February 25, 1634 in Cheb – an event of which the world needed to be informed. In those days, the fastest mode of news reporting was through printed leaflets that were relatively simple to produce and disseminate. Matthäus Merian took up the assignment without delay and made a drawing that served as a model for an engraving. The dramatic attack on the castle and the fateful moments are depicted here in serial form. The drawing does not represent the nocturnal atmosphere as expressively as the graphic sheet based on the drawing which was executed in the form of an informative leaflet.