Kronoberg Castle, Småland — Swidde

A striking late 17th-century engraving depicting the romantic ruins of Kronoberg Castle in Småland, dramatically situated on Lake Helgasjön.

Engraved by Willem Swidde. From Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna. Published in Stockholm, 1693.

This print is part of Erik Dahlbergh's monumental Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, a comprehensive topographical survey of the Swedish Empire. Kronoberg, the medieval seat of the Bishops of Växjö, was already in ruins by the time of this depiction, embodying the antiquarian fascination with vanished royal and ecclesiastical power that ran through Dahlbergh's project.

Copperplate engraving. Excellent.