Title Page, Dahlberg
12 by 15 inches
DHB002 $125
These hand coloured and black and white engravings are from the masterpiece of Erik Dahlberg entitled Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, or Ancient and Modern Sweden. The work took decades to complete and was actually published after his death. The three volumes comprise a sweeping tribute to the Swedish crown, which at the time was a world power. It is indeed a splendid work, full of romantic castles, gardens, Swedish buildings and landmarks with an almost fairytale quality.
Dahlberg (1625-1703) was an engineer, soldier and author. As a young man in Stockholm, he studied the architecture of military buildings and bases. As a soldier, he served as director-general of fortifications until retiring a year before his death. His writings include a memoir of his life and a study of Charles X's military campaigns.
Although the Suecia Antiqua glorified the lands of Sweden, the engravings were created by French and Dutch artists, who could provide more detailed plates than Swedish artists. From Paris, Dahlberg engaged Jean Le Pautre, Jean Marot, F. Campion, and Nicolas and Adam Perelle. Two decades later, the Swedish government decided to move the project closer to home and granted the remainder of the production to the Dutch engravers Willem Swidde and Johannes Aveeleen. Each print is printed on fine, strong white chain lined paper. There is no descriptive text but a copy of the title page will be provided.
