Varnhem Abbey, Västergötland — Aveelen

A finely detailed copperplate engraving of the medieval Cistercian abbey of Varnhem in Västergötland, restored under Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie in the late 17th century.

Original Latin title: Templum et Monasterium Warnhemense Renovatum. Engraved by Johannes van den Aveelen. From Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna. Published in Stockholm, c. 1700.

Founded in the 12th century, Varnhem is the burial place of medieval Swedish kings of the House of Erik. After centuries of decay, the church was rebuilt in 1668 by Count De la Gardie, whose patronage Dahlbergh's print celebrates as part of his survey of Sweden's ecclesiastical and royal heritage.

Copperplate engraving. Sheet size approximately 20.0 × 30.0 cm. Very Good.