Charles XII, King of Sweden - Pieter Tanjé

A detailed 1739 engraving by Pieter Tanjé depicting Charles XII, King of Sweden, presented in a formal oval portrait format.

This engraving by the Dutch artist Pieter Tanjé depicts Charles XII, the King of Sweden, who reigned from 1697 until his death in 1718. Tanjé, a skilled engraver active in the eighteenth century, produced this work in 1739, drawing upon earlier portraiture to capture the monarch's likeness. The composition follows the conventions of formal royal portraiture, presenting the subject within an oval frame that suggests a classical medallion or a window into history.

The portrait captures the King in a relatively austere military-style coat, reflecting his reputation as a soldier-king. The engraving technique demonstrates the precision characteristic of Tanjé's work, with fine lines used to model the facial features and the texture of the fabric. The shading within the oval provides a sense of volume, while the surrounding border is rendered with meticulous cross-hatching and linear patterns. Below the portrait, a cartouche contains the inscription 'CHARLES XII. ROI DE SUEDE', identifying the subject in French, which was the lingua franca of European courts at the time.

Pieter Tanjé was known for his ability to translate painted portraits into the medium of engraving, often working after designs by other artists. This particular print provides a clear example of the dissemination of royal imagery in the eighteenth century. It serves as a record of the visual identity of a monarch whose military campaigns shaped the history of Northern Europe. The print is presented here as a museum-grade reproduction, maintaining the tonal qualities and technical detail of the original copperplate engraving. It offers an opportunity to examine the craft of historical portraiture and the formal presentation of power through the medium of printmaking.