Allegory of the Peaceful Reign of King Charles XI
Artist: David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl (Swedish, 1628 – 1698)
Date: 1693
Medium: Oil painting
Collection: National Museum of Fine Arts, Stockholm, Sweden
Description
The artwork depicts an allegorical representation of the peaceful reign of King Charles XI of Sweden. A central female figure, likely representing Sweden or Peace, sits enthroned, adorned in regal attire. She is surrounded by other figures, some appearing to represent virtues or aspects of the kingdom. There are putti (cherubic figures), a lion, and various symbolic objects such as a cornucopia and military trophies. The background includes classical architecture, suggesting a setting of power and stability. The overall style is Baroque, characterized by dramatic lighting, rich colors, and a sense of movement and grandeur. The painting is framed in a gilded frame with a decorative crest at the top.