Aegidius Sadeler

Aegidius Sadeler was a Flemish engraver who was principally active at the Prague court of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor and his successors. He experimented with different burin techniques, using patterns of hatching to add texture and tonality, emphasising the unnatural stylisation of the landscapes. His contact with the Mannerists was also influential, leading him to experiment widely with chiaroscuro in his later career. After a diverse education and training, he settled in Prague in 1597, and was appointed Imperial engraver by Emperor Rudoph II. It was in Prague that he produced the major part of some 150 landscapes that have been attributed to him. They are representative of his collaboration with the Prague court artists, Roelandt Savery, and Pieter Stevens - whose works form the basis for some of the current series. These landscapes are in several cases the sole surviving record of the artist's work, adding to their importance.