Gotha, 1567

DISEGNO DELLA FORTEZZA ET CITTA DI GOTTA IN SASSONIA

A middle oblique view of Gotha, probably relating to the Grumbach Feud. Gotha was held by General Wilhelm von Grumbach (1 June 1503-18 April 1567) for John Frederick II, Duke of Saxony (8 January 1529-19 May 1595), and was besieged from 25 January to 17 April 1567 by Augustus, Elector of Saxony (31 July 1526-11 February 1586), resulting in the capitulation of the town. The Grumbach Feud (1567). Oriented with south-east (cardinal points) to top.

This is a crude representation of Gotha with the surrounding trenches of the besiegers. The infantry camp, with marching soldiers is bl; the artillery and cavalry are br. No military action is otherwise taking place and this view may represent an early stage of the siege.

It is not known to whom the initials ‘L.P.’ refer. Bavarel’s Notice sur les graveurs qui nous ont laissé des estampes marquées de monogrammes, chiffres, rebus, lettres initiales, etc., (1808) gives the names Leonard Parasole and Lucas Penne as two who were known to use these initials. The painter, Lucas Penne, seems improbable in this instance because he died in 1556; Leonardo Norsini, called Parasole (his wife’s name), was not born until about 1570 and was known as a wood engraver.