Gustave Adolphe Roy de Suede des Goths et des Vandales
Print, copperplate engraving on paper • Published by Pierre Daret (Paris); likely engraved by Daret or a workshop associate
Style & Movement
Baroque / Northern European Royal Portraiture
Medium & Technique
Engraving on paper, utilizing cross-hatching and fine line work for tonal depth and texture
Creation Period
Mid-17th century (circa 1652 based on the inscription)
Dimensions & Format
Small to medium folio size, approximately 30 x 20 cm (framed); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden (1594–1632) in an oval frame. He is depicted in armor with a lace collar and a decorative sash, sporting his characteristic pointed beard. Below the portrait is a lengthy biographical French inscription and the royal crest.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows significant signs of age-related degradation
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a historical collection or a volume of royal biographies. The inscription 'A Paris chez Daret' indicates its origins in the Parisian publishing trade of the 17th century.
Art Historical Significance
A posthumous commemorative portrait of the 'Lion of the North,' significant for documenting the enduring legacy of Gustavus Adolphus in 17th-century European politics and the spread of royal iconography through print culture.
Notable Features
Features a detailed biographical text in French reflecting the French interest in the Swedish king during the period following the Thirty Years' War; includes original publisher attribution for Pierre Daret.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), significant acidity/yellowing of the paper, minor warping of the support, and possible damp stains along the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting used with UV-protective museum glass. Professional deacidification treatment by a paper conservator is recommended to stop further decay from foxing.