An Antique Engraved View of Copper Mining in Sweden in the 17th C. by Dahlberg
This is an antique engraved view entitled "Fodinae aerariae Falunenfis, qui orientem fpectat, delineatio" (Copper mining in Falun), Sweden in 1705 from "Sueciae Antiquae et Hodiernae"' published in Stockholm by Erik Dahlberg (1625-1703). The engraving was created by Johannes van den Aveelen (1650-1727), who was an accomplished copperplate engraver who emigrated to Sweden to work on Dahlberg's spectacular book, "Sueciae Antiquae et Hodiernae", which was focused on the views and architecture of Sweden, both in the ancient past and at the time of the publication.
Creator: Erik Dahlberg (1625 - 1703)
Creation Year: 1705
Dimensions: Height: 17.25 in (43.82 cm) Width: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)
Medium: Engraving, Laid Paper
Condition: See description below.
Reference #: 4140
This is an antique engraved view entitled "Fodinae aerariae Falunenfis, qui orientem fpectat, delineatio" (Copper mining in Falun), Sweden in 1705 from "Sueciae Antiquae et Hodiernae"' published in Stockholm by Erik Dahlberg (1625-1703). The engraving was created by Johannes van den Aveelen (1650-1727), who was an accomplished copperplate engraver who emigrated to Sweden to work on Dahlberg's spectacular book, "Sueciae Antiquae et Hodiernae", which was focused on the views and architecture of Sweden, both in the ancient past and at the time of the publication.
Creator: Erik Dahlberg (1625 - 1703)
Creation Year: 1705
Dimensions: Height: 17.25 in (43.82 cm) Width: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)
Medium: Engraving, Laid Paper
Condition: See description below.
Reference #: 4140
This is an antique engraved view entitled "Fodinae aerariae Falunenfis, qui orientem fpectat, delineatio" (Copper mining in Falun), Sweden in 1705 from "Sueciae Antiquae et Hodiernae"' published in Stockholm by Erik Dahlberg (1625-1703). The engraving was created by Johannes van den Aveelen (1650-1727), who was an accomplished copperplate engraver who emigrated to Sweden to work on Dahlberg's spectacular book, "Sueciae Antiquae et Hodiernae", which was focused on the views and architecture of Sweden, both in the ancient past and at the time of the publication.
Creator: Erik Dahlberg (1625 - 1703)
Creation Year: 1705
Dimensions: Height: 17.25 in (43.82 cm) Width: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)
Medium: Engraving, Laid Paper
Condition: See description below.
Reference #: 4140
This engraving depicts a very active 17th century working scene at the Great Copper Mountain Mine in Falun, Sweden as it appeared in 1687 when the original drawing was created. The mine operated for a millennium from the 10th century to 1992. It produced as much as two thirds of Europe's copper needs and helped fund many of Sweden's wars in the 17th century. Technological developments at the mine influenced global mining for two centuries. The mine is now a museum and in 2001 was designated a UNESCO world heritage site.
The engraving is presented in a cream colored mat that is suitable for framing. The mat measures 17.25" x 12.25" and the visible portion measures 11.13" x 15.38". There is a central vertical fold as issued. The print is excellent condition.
"Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" (Ancient and Modern Sweden) is a collection of engravings created and comissioned by Erik Dahlberg during the middle of the 17th century. Dahlberg was an artist and architect, with the official role of Surveyor-General of the Ordinance, Quarter-Master General and Field Marshal of Sweden in the 17th century. "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" was his grand vision of Sweden during its period as a great world power. Dahlberg's direct source of inspiration was the topographical views issued by the Swiss artist and publisher Matthäus Merian. In 1661 Dahlberg was granted a royal privilege enabling him to pursue his plan. He created a large number of sketches and drawings depicting settlements, manors, and fortifications, with the expressed purpose of enhancing the glory of Sweden, much as Giovanni Piranesi would later do for Rome several decades later. The drawings were later engraved by a number of leading contemporary European engravers. Unfortunately the work was not published until 1705, two years after his death. In its final state "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" comprised three volumes containing 353 plates, many with two engravings per sheet. It is considered to be the greatest and finest engraved work ever produced in Scandinavia.
