Karl XIII (1748-1818), king of Sweden and Norway Per Krafft the Younger (1863-1777)

The portrait presents a man seated in what appears to be a formal chair draped with heavy fabric. He is positioned centrally within the composition and occupies nearly the entire frame, emphasizing his importance. The background is dark, almost entirely black, which serves to isolate the figure and direct attention toward him.
Here we see an individual dressed in elaborate royal regalia. A richly embroidered coat, adorned with numerous medals and insignia, covers a complex underlayer of garments including stockings and boots with prominent red heels. A heavy fur-lined cloak is draped over his shoulders, adding to the impression of opulence and authority. In his left hand he holds what appears to be a document or decree, while his right rests upon an ornate scepter. To his left lies a crown on a cushion, further reinforcing his royal status.
The man’s face exhibits a certain weariness; the skin is pale and marked with age, and the eyes possess a contemplative quality. A slight smile plays on his lips, suggesting a degree of self-awareness or perhaps even amusement at the formality of the occasion. The lighting focuses primarily on his face and upper torso, highlighting these features while leaving the lower portions in relative shadow.
The overall effect is one of deliberate solemnity and restrained power. While the lavish clothing and symbols of royalty are undeniably present, they do not overwhelm the individual’s presence. Instead, they seem to serve as a backdrop against which his character – a man who has clearly lived through significant events – is revealed. The dark background contributes to this sense of gravitas, suggesting a weight of responsibility and experience. It is possible that the artist intended to convey not only the kings position but also a sense of his personal history and the burdens of leadership.