Illustrations related to Hungary in Siegmund von Herberstein’s publications

Abstract

The diplomat Siegmund von Herberstein decorated his Russian travelogues and his autobiographical works with several illustrations, including some with references to Hungary. Augustin Hirschvogel created the depictions of the rulers Herberstein visited, as well as the illustrations of his European journeys. However, the rulers wearing ornate fictive armour were not authentic portraits: they were inspired by the woodcuts of Hans Burgkmair the Elder (Genealogy), as well as by the engravings of the Augsburger Geschlechterbuch. Hirschvogel later made busts in the shape of a medallion, which were more authentic, as they were based on paintings, engravings and commemorative coins depicting the rulers. The number of the scenes about Herberstein’ s travels also increased: one genre scene depicted one of his most significant journeys, his visit to Suleiman’ s military camp at the Danube in 1541, after the capture of Buda. The negotiations have two other depictions as well. Herberstein also decorated his biographical publications with six full-length portraits depicting him in the various outfits of an ambassador. He wore one of them during his visit to Buda in 1541, and received another as a gift from Suleiman.