The Thirty Years' War is one of the great traumas of European history. Yet even in this time of crisis--when starvation, death and disease brought immense suffering and economic hardship--art production did not come to a standstill. Works of art continued to serve as representations of power, to be exchanged as diplomatic gifts, to document military actions, and to urge peace. As coveted items of booty, they often changed hands multiple times. Forty-two authors from eight countries elucidate the historical, religious-historical and cultural-historical aspects of the Thirty Years' War from a wide range of perspectives. This volume of essays is a mirror of European diversity. It emphasises the importance of our shared cultural heritage and draws parallels with present-day issues.