Views of Europe · 18th century
€ 480
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good. Visible plate mark. Very good antique condition with some signs of age- minor spots/stains mostly in the margins. One vertical flattened folding line, as issued. Later hand-coloring.
This original antique print depicts an antique hand-colored engraving of the Bååtska Palatset in Stockholm, Sweden, illustrated by Erik Dahlbergh.
The Bååtska Palatset is a notable building in Stockholm's history, and this particular print is from Dahlbergh's "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" (Ancient and Modern Sweden), a grand work that illustrated Sweden's architecture, landscapes, and cities during its time as a great power in Europe. This work was produced under the patronage of the Swedish crown and aimed to showcase the nation's wealth and cultural significance.
This ambitious project was a testament to the power and grandeur of Sweden during the 17th century, capturing its landscapes, architecture, and royal palaces in meticulous detail.
Dahlbergh's inspiration from Matthäus Merian's topographical works underscores the international exchange of knowledge and artistic influence during that era. The royal privilege granted to him in 1661 speaks to the importance placed on documenting and promoting the image of Sweden as a dominant force in Europe. That Dahlbergh devoted over a decade to this project illustrates his commitment to the task and the complexity of such an endeavor.
"Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" was an extensive collection, and its production spanned beyond Dahlbergh’s lifetime, indicating the significant resources and time required for such detailed cartographic and artistic representation. With 353 plates spread across three volumes, it provided an extensive visual record of Sweden's cultural and historical landscape and remains a valuable resource for understanding the country's past. This work is a treasure for historians, geographers, art historians, and collectors of cartographic materials. The prints from this collection, like the one of the Bååtska Palatset, are sought after for their beauty and the wealth of historical information they provide.
