Gezicht op Strängnäs en Torshälla 1670 - 1674

Adam Perelle made this print of Strängnäs en Torshälla in the late 17th century. It’s an engraving, so that means the image was carved into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Prints like this one played an important role in shaping European perceptions. They circulated widely and influenced how people imagined distant places. This image presents a tidy, ordered view of these Swedish towns, likely intended for audiences unfamiliar with the region. We see the towns from across the water, emphasizing their key landmarks and civic emblems. This idealized representation reflects the interests of the elite patrons who commissioned such works, projecting an image of stability and control. To fully understand this print, we need to consider the broader context of 17th-century European print culture. Researching the history of printmaking, the networks of artists and patrons, and the circulation of images helps us understand the social and institutional forces that shaped this particular view of Sweden.