Matthäus Küsell

1629–1681, Augsburg

Like his brother Melchior (1626–1683), Matthäus Küsell came from a respected Augsburg family of engravers and goldsmiths. In 1656 the artist spent some time in Venice and two years later married the daughter of the painter Bernhard Zech in Augsburg. After returning to his native town, he embarked on a flourishing career as an engraver and illustrator and was appointed Kaiserlicher Hofkupferstecher (Engraver to the Imperial Court). His prints are thus very numerous, comprising religious scenes, portraits, thesis leafs and allegories, as well as engraved stage decorations after such Italian masters of the Baroque as Lodovico Burnacini and F. Saturini.