The Eastern View of Siqvo Palace in Swiddes, 1696, Paper

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An engraving by Willem Swidde from 1696. The print features a palatial estate surrounded by formal gardens, a common representation … Read more An engraving by Willem Swidde from 1696. The print features a palatial estate surrounded by formal gardens, a common representation of baroque architecture and landscaping. The central building is flanked by two symmetrically placed wings, with a grand staircase leading to the entrance. This setup is typical for the period, emphasizing order, symmetry, and control over nature, which was a hallmark of the baroque era. The text above the print is in Latin: "Delineatio magnifici pudererumque Palatii SIQVO qua Orientem spectat." This can be translated to "Representation of the magnificent and elegant Palace of SIQVO as seen from the East." More about the castle: The engraving is of Sjö (historically spelled as Ekolsund) Castle, which is situated in the tiny parish of Holm in the municipality of Enköping, Uppland, Sweden. The castle as depicted in the engraving, created by Willem Swidde in 1696, features the grand architecture and formal gardens that were typical of the Baroque period in Swedish history. The castle has medieval origins and has been through various phases of construction and ownership throughout the centuries. In 1409, it was taken over by Peter Laurensson, and in 1541, it was bought by King Gustav Vasa. The present castle structure was built during the ownership of Johan Gabriel Stenbock and designed by the architects Nicodemus Tessin the Elder and Mathias Spieler. The castle and its park have been considered some of the most beautiful in Sweden, noted for their perfect and harmonious proportions. Currently, Sjöö Castle is a part of Sweden's cultural heritage and is maintained as a historical site. The park and the castle's exterior are often accessible to the public, but the interior may be private or used for specific events. It remains a testament to the rich architectural and cultural history of Sweden. More about the artist: Willem Swidde was a Dutch draughtsman and engraver who made a significant contribution to Swedish topographical and historical illustration in the late 17th century. Born around 1660 in Amsterdam, Swidde's journey as an artist eventually led him to Sweden. In 1688, he was brought to Stockholm by Count Erik Dahlbergh, a Swedish engineer, soldier, and field marshal, who recognized Swidde's talent and needed his skills for the illustration of various works. Swidde's initial task in Sweden was to produce illustrations for Samuel Pufendorf's history of Charles X Gustav of Sweden. He successfully created 18 plates out of the 123 for this work. However, Swidde's most notable and enduring work was for the ambitious "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" (Ancient and Modern Sweden), a project that aimed to document and celebrate Sweden's grandeur through elaborate topographical engravings. In this venture, Swidde was instrumental, contributing 76 of the book's plates. His engravings were based on drawings by Dahlbergh, with whom he collaborated closely, often enhancing the original designs to better capture the magnificence of the Swedish landscapes and architecture. Swidde's work is characterized by its meticulous detail and the way it captures the baroque splendor of the Swedish empire. Despite the grand scale of his work, Swidde's life remains sparsely documented, and he passed away in Stockholm in 1697, leaving behind a legacy through the plates that continue to be appreciated for their historical and artistic value. His contributions to "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" helped immortalize the Sweden of his era, reflecting both the country's natural beauty and its cultural aspirations. See less