Per Jönsson Stålhammar * David Klöcker Ehrenstråhl (1629-1698)

The portrait presents a man in what appears to be military attire, positioned against a landscape backdrop rendered with muted tones. He stands slightly off-center, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that conveys authority and perhaps a degree of weariness. The figure’s posture is somewhat stooped, suggesting age or the weight of responsibility.
The artist has paid particular attention to rendering texture. The mans elaborate wig, rendered in thick curls, possesses a tangible quality through the use of light and shadow. Similarly, the fabric of his clothing – a dark vest over a flowing ochre-colored garment – is depicted with careful consideration for its drape and sheen. A leather jerkin is visible beneath the vest, hinting at underlying protection or military function. The man holds a walking stick in one hand and what seems to be a falcon perched on his arm in the other. This detail introduces an element of nobility and connection to nature, potentially signifying leisure alongside duty.
The landscape behind him is indistinct, composed primarily of dark browns and grays with hints of green suggesting distant foliage or rock formations. The lack of clarity in the background serves to isolate the subject and emphasize his presence within the composition. It also contributes to a sense of solemnity and perhaps even solitude.
Subtleties in the man’s expression – the slight downturn of his mouth, the lines etched around his eyes – suggest a life lived with experience and possibly hardship. The falcon, traditionally associated with nobility and keen vision, could be interpreted as a symbol of foresight or an allusion to the subjects role as a leader. The overall impression is one of a man who has occupied a position of power and responsibility, marked by both privilege and the burdens that accompany it. The subdued palette and formal pose reinforce this sense of gravitas and understated dignity.