Wenceslaus Hollar

Happy Birthday Wenceslaus Hollar! Although he was born in Prague in 1607, Hollar was an illustrator and topographer of extreme import to England, where he made his home. Originally planning on going into law, Hollar decided to become an artist after his family was forced to leave Prague, ultimately for England. He worked for the Earl of Arundel for many years and then for various authors and publishers. He created numerous drawings and watercolors of important figures, places, and events that now provide priceless historical background of 17th century England. The etching included today is of the Globe Theater (where many of Shakespeare's plays were presented), created in 1647.