Period Artwork

While searching for something else on the net I came across a blog devoted to toys and miniatures, including bas relief tin flats. Among the posts related to Renaissance and Early Modern minis, there was a post from 2012 that mentioned a great site for period engravings: The Frederik Muller Historieplaten digital collection from the Dutch Rijksmuseum.Due in part to having the highest standard of living in the world, the Netherlands in the Early Modern period is a great source of period paintings and engravings. 

City plans like this one for the town of 's-Hertogenbosch are perfect for historical city maps for GM and player. Some skill with GIMP, Photoshop, or even Paint can allow the GM to highlight or mark specific areas.

's-Hertogenbosch besieged by Prince Maurice, 1601

Admiral Tromp's flagship Aemilia, ca. 1639

This picture is inspiring for a parade or victory celebration. When the resolution is high enough, as it is with these engravings, these can be a good source of faces for various NPCs. I particularly like the inn sign on the right and the odd wagon-coach in the center is interesting.

Arrival of five Spanish ambassadors, at Rijswijk, February 1608

Detail of odd wagon-coach