What is the estimated value of this French historical engraving?

This large-format French Romantic engraving, 'Charles Douze,' by Adrien Migneret after Jean-Victor Schnetz, is estimated to be valued between $300 and $500. This valuation considers current dealer asking prices for similar examples, adjusted downwards due to the poor condition of the item's frame and non-archival matting, which would require significant restoration costs for a buyer.

What era is this 'Charles Douze' engraving from?

This engraving dates to circa 1840, placing it firmly within the French Romantic period. Its production is further confirmed by a dedication to 'Charles Jean,' who reigned as King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway from 1818 to 1844, aligning with the known working period of the artists.

What condition is this Adrien Migneret engraving in?

The engraving itself is in good condition for its age, displaying sharp lines and only minor, even toning. However, the overall presentation is fair. The giltwood frame is in poor condition with extensive losses to gilding and gesso, and the matting is non-archival and discolored, posing a long-term risk to the print.

Where is the best place to sell this 'Charles Douze' engraving?

For maximizing net proceeds and quick sale, online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy are recommended, allowing direct access to collectors. Alternatively, consigning to a regional US auction house specializing in prints, such as Rachel Davis Fine Arts, offers a professional, hands-off approach, though with higher commissions and longer wait times.

Who were Adrien Migneret and Jean-Victor Schnetz?

Adrien Migneret (1786 00e2 0080 00931840) was a respected Parisian engraver known for his technical proficiency. Jean-Victor Schnetz (1787 00e2 0080 00931870) was a notable French academic painter, a contemporary of G 00e9ricault, and a director of the French Academy in Rome. Their collaboration on this print combines significant artistic talent.

What historical event does the 'Charles Douze' engraving depict?

The engraving dramatically depicts King Charles XII of Sweden (1682-1718) wading ashore during a military landing, most likely at Humleb 00e6k, Denmark, in 1700. This heroic scene was popularized by Voltaire's biography of the "warrior king" and held significant appeal in 19th-century European historical narratives.

Adrien Migneret, After Jean-Victor Schnetz, 'Charles Douze' (King Charles XII of Sweden Landing at Humlebæk), Large-Format French Romantic Engraving, circa 1840

Estimated value: $300 - $500. Adrien Migneret, After Jean-Victor Schnetz, 'Charles Douze' (King Charles XII of Sweden Landing at Humlebæk), Large-Format French Romantic Engraving, circa 1840 (c. 1840) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This engraving captures a moment of high drama from the Great Northern War, depicting the famously daring King Charles XII of Sweden wading ashore ahead of his troops. The image is based on a popular account from Voltaire's biography of the king, which captivated European audiences. Created in Paris around 1840, the print is a collaboration between two notable French artists: the celebrated historical painter Jean-Victor Schnetz, who created the original composition, and the skilled engraver Adrien Migneret, who translated it to the copper plate. The print was produced during a period of fascination with historical epics and heroic figures. Its dedication to 'Charles Jean,' the reigning King of Sweden and Norway, is particularly significant. This king, born Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, was a former Marshal of France under Napoleon who had been unexpectedly elected heir to the Swedish throne. By dedicating this image of a legendary Swedish warrior king to the French-born monarch, the publisher was creating a powerful piece of political art, linking the new Bernadotte dynasty to the historic glories of the Swedish nation. The object is thus not merely a decorative print, but a fascinating artifact of 19th-century European history, art, and politics.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on market data for other examples of this print, which are typically offered by dealers as unframed sheets in good, restored condition in the range of $800 - $950. A significant downward adjustment has been applied to this item's value to account for the poor condition of its frame and the likely non-archival quality of its matting. A prospective buyer would face immediate and considerable costs for professional conservation and reframing, which heavily impacts the fair market value. With a low estimate of $300, a recommended reserve price at auction would be approximately $240. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, the net proceeds to the seller would be in the range of $255 - $450.

Comparable sales

An antique etching by Adrien Migneret after Schnetz, dated 1840, dedicated to Charles Jean, King of Sweden and Norway. Depicts Charles XII. Dimensions given as 56.5 x 67.5 cm for the sheet. Described as having been restored by a professional. — sold for $943.25 (Etsy), 2026-06-16
A 19th-century engraving by Adrien Migneret after Schnetz, depicting Charles XII. Dimensions given as 56.5 x 67.5 cm for the sheet. Described as professionally restored, in good condition, and ready to be framed. — sold for €750 (Proantic), N/A
An antique etching by Adrien Migneret after Schnetz, dated 1840, dedicated to His Majesty Charles Jean King of Sweden and Norway. Depicts a historical battle of Charles XII. Dimensions given as 46.7 x 55 cm for the view. — sold for €750 (Ruby Lane), N/A
A rare original 1796 engraving from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, by Thomas Ryder after John Francis Rigaud. Depicts a scene from 'King Henry the Fourth'. — sold for $520.00 (Etsy), 2026-04-06

Expert notes

This is a genuine and well-documented French historical engraving from circa 1840. The valuation is primarily limited by the poor condition of the frame and matting, which detracts from its presentation and necessitates restoration. The comparable sales data consists of dealer asking prices rather than confirmed auction results, introducing some uncertainty. Before a sale, it is highly recommended to have the print professionally unframed to assess the full condition of the paper, particularly the margins.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your print, lithograph or engraving worth?.