Advanced Search 
Gens Germana gemens!
The German People Lament!
Gens Germana gemens!
Johann Esaias Nilson (German, 1721–1788)
1759
Medium/Technique
Etching and engraving
Credit Line
Harvey D. Parker Collection—Harvey Drury Parker Fund
Accession NumberP18194
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Catalogue Raisonné
Schuster 436
DescriptionAn allegory of the chaos in Germany during the Seven Years' War, and a call for the warring factions to put aside their fractiousness and embrace peace.
InscriptionsIn plate, below image: Gens Germana gemens! ensem praeponderat ecce! /
Pacis Oliva magis, spe praecibusque [sic] vales.
In plate, below image, a chronometric verse for 1759: TeVtsChLanD hofft Der FrIeDens ZeIt,/ NaCh betrangter BangIgkeIt.
In plate, at lower center: Joh: Esaias Nilson, inv. sculps: et excud: Aug: V.
In ink, below platemark: 11131.
Pacis Oliva magis, spe praecibusque [sic] vales.
In plate, below image, a chronometric verse for 1759: TeVtsChLanD hofft Der FrIeDens ZeIt,/ NaCh betrangter BangIgkeIt.
In plate, at lower center: Joh: Esaias Nilson, inv. sculps: et excud: Aug: V.
In ink, below platemark: 11131.
ProvenanceHenry Foster Sewall (b. 1816 - d. 1896; cf. Lugt 1309), New York; 1896, by inheritance to his son, Charles Sewall (b. 1848 - d. 1898); 1897, sold by Charles Sewall to the MFA [see note 1]. (Acquisition Date: October 21, 1897)
NOTE:
[1] Henry F. Sewall offered his collection to the MFA for purchase in 1888. That purchase was finalized and executed in 1897, one year after his death.
NOTE:
[1] Henry F. Sewall offered his collection to the MFA for purchase in 1888. That purchase was finalized and executed in 1897, one year after his death.