"Gesta ad Sandomiriam" (1656) is a historical copper engraving by Erik Dahlbergh depicting the Swedish retreat and destruction of Sandomierz, Poland during the Deluge, or the 2nd Northern War against Sweden, who was keen to gain control of the whole of the Baltic Trade, and the profits derived from it.
Sweden needed to control the Oresund and so went to war to force Poland to give up its ports in this area.
The work illustrates events from the Second Northern War (Swedish Deluge), specifically a battle on 24 March 1656 where Swedish forces under Charles X Gustav fought Polish forces commanded by Stefan Czarniecki and Jerzy Lubomirski. The Swedish troops are shown in retreat on the river Vistula following the attack by the Polish forces.Created by military engineer and artist Erik Dahlbergh (1625–1703) and published in Samuel von Pufendorf's “De rebus a Carolo Gustavo Sueciae Rege” in 1696.
