The New International Encyclopædia/Siegen, Ludwig von

SIEGEN, (c.1609-c.80). A German engraver, born in Utrecht. In 1642 he produced his first known mezzo-tint engraving, a portrait of the Landgravine Amalia Elisabeth, Regent of Hesse, inscribed to her son, the artist's patron. Siegen did not fully realize the possibilities of his discovery. He kept the process secret, however, divulging it only to Prince Rupert of the Palatinate, through whom it became known in England. The engraver passed into the service of the Elector of Mainz in 1654, and died at Wolfenbüttel.