Artwork

Charles XII (1682-1718), King of Sweden

Charles XII (1682-1718), King of Sweden, by Unknown, unspecified, 1725
Charles XII (1682-1718), King of Sweden, by Unknown, unspecified, 1725

Charles XII (1682-1718), King of Sweden is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This portrait depicts Charles XII, King of Sweden, in a standing, three-quarter length pose, with his left hand on his hip.

About this work

Overview

This portrait depicts Charles XII, King of Sweden, in a standing, three-quarter length pose, with his left hand on his hip. Executed by an unknown artist, it is a copy of a work by David von Krafft.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Charles XII, is portrayed with a direct, intense gaze, conveying authority. The painting served to evoke the king’s power, both during his reign and posthumously, amidst the backdrop of Sweden’s involvement in a prolonged conflict.

Technique & Style

The copy retains the original’s central elements, including the king’s piercing stare, but lacks some of the finer details present in von Krafft’s version. The somber, dark palette, including the king’s coat and near-black background, dominates the composition.

History & Provenance

Originally painted by David von Krafft, this is a later, anonymous copy. For the original work, refer to the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

Context

Created in the aftermath or towards the end of Charles XII’s reign (1682-1718), the portrait reflects the monarch’s image during a period marked by the Great Northern War.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.