Griffin, Duchy of Södermanland — Swidde

A majestic copperplate engraving depicting the crowned griffin, the heraldic symbol of the Duchy of Södermanland, from a monumental Swedish topographical work.

Original title: Insigne Ducatus Sudermanniae. Erik Dahlbergh; engraved by Willem Swidde. From Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna. Published in Stockholm, c. 1700.

Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna was an ambitious project initiated by Erik Dahlbergh to document the historical and contemporary grandeur of Sweden, mirroring similar European topographical works of the Baroque era. Willem Swidde was the principal engraver of the early plates and his work remains a vital historical record of the Swedish Empire.

Copperplate engraving. Sheet size approximately 32.0 × 25.0 cm. Very Good.