Antique Engraving of Königsberg from Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, c.1690
€ 410
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1690
Sheet size
33.5 × 51.5 cm (13.2 × 20.3 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13670-21
Condition
Condition report: Strong impression on laid paper with wide margins. Central fold as issued, with light toning and faint handling marks, mainly in the margins. Overall very well preserved for its age.
About this sheet
Antique Engraving of Königsberg from *Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna*, c.1690
Original 17th-century engraving from the celebrated work Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, directed by the Swedish military engineer and statesman Erik Dahlbergh (1625–1703). This monumental series aimed to document castles, cities, manors, and landscapes across Sweden and its dominions, providing one of the most important visual records of Northern Europe in the baroque period.
This particular plate presents a sweeping panoramic view of Königsberg (today Kaliningrad, Russia), an important Prussian port city long tied to the Baltic trade. The city’s fortified castle (*Arx Regia*), the cathedral, and prominent civic buildings rise along the Pregel River, while smaller vessels animate the harbor. A decorative coat of arms crowns the composition, underscoring the noble and royal associations of the view.
The engraving demonstrates the characteristic style of the *Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna*: precise architectural renderings combined with atmospheric landscape settings. Trees, figures in contemporary dress, and river scenes bring the panorama to life. The balance of topographical accuracy and baroque theatricality reflects Dahlbergh’s vision of celebrating Sweden’s power, influence, and cultural sophistication.
The plates for Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna were executed by a circle of talented engravers, many trained in France and the Netherlands, including Willem Swidde and Jan van den Aveelen. Their mastery of fine linework allowed for intricate architectural details and sweeping atmospheric effects, making the work not only a documentary record but also a triumph of 17th-century printmaking.
Condition report: Strong impression on laid paper with wide margins. Central fold as issued, with light toning and faint handling marks, mainly in the margins. Overall very well preserved for its age.
Framing tips: This engraving displays beautifully in a simple walnut or dark oak frame with an ivory mat, highlighting the richness of the linework. A more formal presentation can be achieved with a gilt frame and darker mount, emphasizing the print’s baroque origins.
Technique: Engraving Maker: After Erik Dahlbergh (1625–1703), published in Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, Sweden, c.1690
