Dardanelles Strait, with a Perspective of the City of Constantinople, 1693

Title: View of the Dardanelles with Fortifications and Ships, ca. 1680 Description: This copperplate engraving offers a detailed view of the Dardanelles Strait, emphasizing its s...

The engraving depicts the assault and capture of the Danish fortress Friderichsodde (now known as Fredericia) located on the island of Fyn. The scene, captured on October 24, 1657, vividly illustrates the Swedish main army's takeover under the command of General Carl Gustaf Wrangel. This historical event is meticulously documented in the artwork, which showcases not only the military action but also the strategic landscape and fortifications characteristic of the time. Erik Jönsson Graf von Dahlberg, the artist behind this work, was a prominent Swedish field marshal, architect, and fortress builder. Born in 1625 and passing in 1703, Dahlberg's contributions to military and architectural fields were significant. He was renowned for his detailed and artistically valuable drawings which served as the basis for large-scale copperplate engravings. These engravings are of substantial topographical and architectural historical importance as they provide a detailed visual account of Swedish territories during the era. In 1661, Dahlberg began work on his magnum opus—a comprehensive geographical and historical depiction of Swedish territories, which received royal privileges. His journey in 1667-1668 to Paris for the engraving of the initial plates reflects the international scope and ambition of his project. However, the work was intermittently paused when Dahlberg was tasked in 1674 with overseeing all Swedish fortress constructions, a role that significantly impacted his career and works. The project resumed and was published in 1684, highlighting a significant period of Swedish history and military achievements under his visual documentation. MORE ABOUT THE BATTLE: The image is an intricate engraving depicting a battle scene. Based on the details and the text in the cartouche, the scene illustrates a significant historical battle involving Prussian forces. The presence of multiple ships and extensive fortifications suggests a combined land and naval engagement. Key Features in the Engraving: 1. Land Battle: The forefront of the image shows numerous troops, artillery pieces, and cavalry in action, depicting the intensity and scale of the land combat. 2. Naval Elements: Ships in the background indicate that this battle had a naval component, which would have been crucial for controlling trade routes or strategic waterways. 3. Fortifications: Extensive fortifications, including bastions and protective walls, suggest a well-defended location, possibly a city or a significant stronghold. Historical Context: From the text, it appears the battle involves "Prinz Heinrich," referring to Prince Henry of Prussia, who was an influential military leader during the reign of his brother, Frederick the Great. Under Frederick’s rule, Prussia engaged in several key conflicts, including the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), which saw major battles across Europe and involved complex alliances. Given the level of detail and the era suggested by the style of ships and fortifications, the battle was of the significant engagements during the Seven Years' War, where Prince Henry played a critical role. His campaigns often involved maneuvering to protect Prussia from multiple fronts, including naval engagements in the Baltic. Interpretation: This engraving serves not only as a historical document but also as a piece of propaganda, likely glorifying the prowess and strategic capabilities of the Prussian military...

An original antique engraving entitled "Joppe; in ’t Hebreeusch by ouds Japho; hedendaags Japha, of Jaffa; volgens d’aftekening gedaan 1668", by Nicholas Sanson d'Abbeville (1600 - 1667). This is a view of the city of Joppe (in Hebrew Japho), now called Japha or Jaffa, the harbor portion of modern day Tel Aviv, Israel as it appeared in 1668 . It depicts a very busy harbor with numerous boats. A large ship on the left appears to be firing its canons and a small ship on the right appears to be sitting very low in the water, either heavily loaded with cargo or sinking. The town is seen on the far shore with a fortress on a hill across in the background. The map is printed from the original Sanson copperplate and was published in 1709 by his descendants. The map is presented in an ornate brown wood frame embellished by gold-colored leaves and gold inner trim with a double mat; the outer mat is cream-colored and the inner mat is black. There is a central vertical fold, as issued. There are two small spots in the lower margin and one in the upper margin, as well as two tiny spots adjacent to the central fold. 1717 is written below the date 1668 in the inscription. The map is otherwise in very good condition. Another map of the "Holy Land" (by Claes Visscher in 1663), with an identical style frame and mat is available. This pair of maps would make a wonderful display grouping. Please see Reference #LU117324709892. Artist: Nicholas Sanson d'Abbeville (1600 - 1667) and his descendents were important French cartographer's active through the 17th century. Sanson started his career as a historian and initially utilized cartography to illustrate his historical treatises. His maps came to the attention of Cardinal Richelieu and then King Louis XIII of France, who became a supporter and sponsor. He subsequently appointed Sanson 'Geographe Ordinaire du Roi' the official map maker to the king. Sanson not only created maps for the king, but advised him on geographical issues and curated his map collection...

A View of Cape Rouge, or Carouge, on the Saint Lawrence River, north of Quebec. Engraving by Peter Mazell after a drawing by Captian Hervey Smyth, published c.1760's, London. T...