Artwork

Karl X Gustav, 1622-1660, konung av Sverige pfalzgreve av Zweibrücken

Karl X Gustav, 1622-1660, konung av Sverige pfalzgreve av Zweibrücken is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist David von Krafft. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This portrait of Charles X Gustav of Sweden was painted by David von Krafft in 1674. It is an oil painting executed in the Flemish Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted seated on a large orb, wearing a helmet and holding a staff, with a lion at his feet. His attire and the surrounding elements convey a sense of power and regality, consistent with his status as a monarch.

Technique & Style

The painting reflects Krafft's training in the Flemish Baroque tradition under his uncle and mentor, David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl. The formal portraiture is characteristic of the Swedish royal court's preferences during the late 17th century.

History & Provenance

Krafft later succeeded Ehrenstrahl as court painter in 1698, continuing the established approach to representing the Swedish monarchy.

Artist & collection

Artist

David von Krafft

David Krafft, from 1719 David von Krafft (1655 – 20 September 1724), was a German-Swedish painter, the nephew and student of David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl and his successor (in 1698) as painter to the Swedish Royal Court.