Staletá Praha 41, 1/2025, 118-159

Copper mirror : Prague copper engraver Jan Jiří Balzer (1736–1799) in light of his will and testament and estate inventory

Jana Marešová

Ústav dějin umění AV ČR, v. v. i. Husova 352/4, CZ-110 00 Praha 1

This study devoted to the prominent Prague copperplate engraver Jan Jiří Balzer (* 1736 – † 1799) is based on newly discovered evidence published here for the first time – his will and estate inventory. These and other documents, mentioned here, provide new and more detailed information that adds to the mosaic of the artist’s life. This material mainly offers an insight into the operational and production processes of Prague’s most important copper engraving and printing workshop in the second half of the 18th century. At the same time, the new evidence enables not only to “map” Balzer's social and professional contacts at the end of the 18th century, but also reflects his entrepreneurial skills.

Keywords: Prague – Jan Jiří Balzer jr.    (Johann Georg Balzer) – 18th century – Enlightenment – letterpress printing – copperplate engraver – copperplate engraving – aquatint, printing workshop – will and testament – estate inventory – censorship – Jan Karel Balzer – Antonín Karel Balzer – Jan Jakub Quirin Jahn – Franz Ringhoffer

Grants and funding:

Studie je výstupem projektu GA ČR, č. 23 05040S, „Český Vasari“ Jan Jakub Quirin Jahn a jeho pojetí dějin výtvarného umění v Čechách

Published: December 8, 2025