"Wadstena"

This lovely oblong engraving was one of the illustrated plates included in Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna (Ancient and Modern Sweden) compiled by Count Erik Dahlberg at the end of the 17th century.  The author was a former soldier and engineer who served with honors and renown in the Swedish army.  Dahlberg's love and pride in the accomplishments of his home land provided the imputus for his three volume work which contained 353 plates.  Dahlberg received a Royal commission to produce his work and with those credentials was able to hire the finest French and Dutch artists and engravers available.  This engraving was created by Johann Aveelen and is dated 1706 in the plate.  It is a lovely decorative image documenting the large and impressive buildings and bustling 17th century Swedish life.

14 1/4 x 17 3/4 inches sheet, 8  x 16 inches plate
Copperplate engraving with modern hand-color, centerfold.
Clean and crisp imrpession with sharp features, full untrimmed margins.