Jean Le Pautre, The Greater Coat of Arms of Sweden, 1669, Engraving on Paper

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This is an original detailed engraving of the greater coat of arms of Sweden, referred to in Swedish as "Svea … Read more This is an original detailed engraving of the greater coat of arms of Sweden, referred to in Swedish as "Svea rikes huvudvapen." The engraving was printed in Paris in 1669 according to Erik Vennberg. The coat of arms is elaborately detailed, with each escutcheon representing a component of the Swedish empire, including the arms of the House of Vasa among others. At the center, the shield is crowned with a regal crown, symbolizing the Swedish monarchy. Two regally posed lions, a common heraldic symbol of courage and strength, support the shield. The entire composition is topped with a mantle that looks to be teeming with various heraldic motifs, representing the unity and history of the Swedish nation. The intricacy of the work is indicative of the period's engraving techniques, with each line meticulously carved to bring out the opulence and intricate detail of the symbols. The coat of arms is a visual representation of the sovereignty and history of Sweden. The engraving is attributed to Jean Le Pautre, a notable French engraver from the 17th century, while the author of the work is Erik Dahlbergh, a Swedish engineer, soldier, and field marshal. Their collaboration on this piece has rendered a detailed and ornate representation of Sweden's heraldic emblem from the era. See less