Description
Description of Erik Dahlberg's Suecia Antiqua et Hodernia
These detailed engravings are from the historic work
Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna. In 1660, Erik Dahlberg, the most important
figure in creating the work, began the momentous work after studying the
fundamentals in draughtsmanship for several years. Shortly thereafter, he
was awarded "royal privilege for his planned work on Sweden and its provinces."
On and off for the next 43 years of his life were spent illustrating and
overseeing the creation of this comprehensive work. In addition to
Dahlberg, there were many copper-engravers whose talents were employed including
Jean Le Pautre, Jean Marot, Nicolas and Adam Perelle and F. Champion.
Dahlberg's death in 1703 still did not see the finished product. In 1716,
"The literary, scientific and cultural magnum opus, Suecia antiqua et
hodierna ... a work of distinction from Sweden's period as a great power,"
was finally published. The informative illustrations of cities and
important landmarks contained in this epic publication have allowed a window
into the past of Sweden. They are on fine chain-linked, water-marked paper
that measures ~ 18 1/2" by 14 3/8".
For in-depth detail about this work, please
see the Suecia Antiqua et
Hodierna Project by the National Library of Sweden, from which all
information was collected for this description.