Vrede van Fontainebleau tussen Denemarken en Zweden, ter ere van Karel XI
1679
Medium
striking (metalworking)
Dimensions
407; 4.7
About this artwork
Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff
Art Historical Context
This striking medal, created in 1679 by Swedish medallist Arvid Karlsteen, commemorates the Peace of Fontainebleau between Denmark and Sweden. Measuring just 4.7 centimeters in diameter and weighing 407 grams, the work was produced through the traditional technique of striking metal, a precise method that allowed for intricate relief designs celebrating diplomatic triumphs. Karlsteen, known for his elegant portraits and allegorical scenes, crafted such pieces to honor King Charles XI and mark the end of hostilities that had plagued the Baltic region. The treaty itself represented a significan...
About the Artist
Arvid Karlsteen · 1647–1718
Arvid Karlsteen (1647–1718) was a Swedish medal engraver and portrait miniaturist who documented Swedish royalty during the reign of King Charles XI. Born on March 16, 1647, on a farm near Karlskoga, Karlsteen was the son of Jonas Kjellander, a cartographer, and his wife Brita Larsdotter von Sacken. This family background provided exposure to precision draftsmanship and careful documentation, skil...