Svartsjö Castle in Sweden, 1693, Paper

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An handcolored original antique print of Svartsjö Castle, located on the island of Färingsö in Ekerö Municipality, Sweden. The castle … Read more An handcolored original antique print of Svartsjö Castle, located on the island of Färingsö in Ekerö Municipality, Sweden. The castle has a rich history, with the current building dating back to the 18th century when it was constructed in the Baroque style. However, its roots go much deeper, with a medieval castle previously occupying the site. Svartsjö Castle (Svartsjö slott) has served various functions over the centuries, including being a royal residence and, for a time, a prison. The name "Svartsjö" translates to "black lake," possibly referring to the dark waters of the adjacent lake Svartsjön. The print shows the castle with people in period clothing in the foreground, suggesting it might be a scene from a significant event or day at the castle. The coat of arms at the top is likely linked to the noble family associated with the castle at the time the print was made. Today, Svartsjö Castle is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. It is a cultural heritage site and has been restored to reflect its historical significance. The castle and its grounds are open to visitors, allowing them to explore its history and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. More about an intriguing story of an event that happened in and around the castile: The page from the Künker website tells about a specific historical period in Sweden related to Svartsjö Castle. The story involves Swedish King Erik XIV, who, due to a prophecy and his mental illness, killed members of the Sture family, whom he believed were conspiring against him. This event, known as the Sture Murders, took place at Svartsjö Castle. The aftermath led to "blood klippe," coins minted from silver that was used to compensate the families of the victims. These coins played a part in a subsequent revolt against King Erik XIV, contributing to his downfall. More about the decorative coat of arms: It is a richly decorated heraldic shield topped with a regal crown, signifying nobility or royal status. The shield is adorned with what appears to be multiple quadrants, each containing different heraldic symbols, possibly representing various territories or familial alliances. The central part of the shield features a pale, a vertical band, which is a common heraldic device. The mantling, which looks like a leafy, decorative flourish, cascades from the helmet typically found in heraldry. This ornamental design is meant to evoke the protective cloth that would drape over and behind the helmet. The mantling is depicted in a stylized manner, adding to the grandeur of the coat of arms. Surrounding the shield are ribbons, likely containing mottos or significant phrases, though they are not readable in the image provided. The entire coat of arms is framed by what seems to be laurel leaves, a symbol of victory or triumph. The specific elements of the coat of arms, such as the charges on the shield and the style of the crown, could provide more detailed insights into the family, rank, and history associated with this emblem. However, without clearer visibility of the details and without additional context, it is challenging to provide a precise interpretation of the symbols or to whom the coat of arms belonged. More about the work it is from: The engraving is from the "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna," a large work that includes engravings of various Swedish castles, towns, and other significant buildings from the 17th century. The coat of arms included in the image indicates that it is part of a noble or royal depiction. The "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna" was overseen by Erik Dahlbergh, and many of the engravings were produced by notable engravers of the time, including Willem Swidde and Jan van den Aveelen, among others. The detailed work and style are consistent with the engravings found in Dahlbergh's collection, which often included the crests or coats of arms of the nobility associated with the castles or regions depicted. See less