Three Allegorical Figures Bearing the Portrait of Karl XI of Sweden David Klöcker Ehrenstråhl (1629-1698)

The composition centers around a central female figure flanked by two other allegorical figures, all supporting a framed portrait suspended in mid-air. The portrait itself depicts a man with elaborate hair and attire, suggesting a person of considerable status and authority. Above the portrait, three cherubic figures hover, one holding a bow and arrow, while the others appear to be engaged in playful gestures.
The central figure is draped in a flowing blue garment, her posture upright and dignified. She appears to be the focal point of the scene, acting as a grounding presence for the ethereal elements surrounding her. The two flanking figures are similarly clad in drapery, one in orange and the other in pale yellow, creating a visual contrast that draws attention to their roles within the allegorical framework. Their gestures – one offering upward, the other extending outward – suggest a presentation or bestowal of the portrait.
The background is rendered with a muted landscape, hinting at distant hills and a cloudy sky. The lower portion of the painting features a scattering of foliage on a brown earth tone ground, providing a sense of depth and anchoring the scene within a natural setting. The lighting appears to originate from an unseen source above, casting soft shadows and highlighting the figures drapery.
Subtextually, the work seems to convey themes of power, legacy, and divine favor. The portrait’s elevation by allegorical figures suggests that the depicted man is not merely a ruler but one blessed or sanctioned by higher powers. The presence of the cherub with the bow and arrow introduces an element of protection or guidance, potentially symbolizing the virtues associated with leadership – justice, strength, and foresight. The arrangement of the three female figures could represent aspects of governance – perhaps justice, prosperity, and peace – all united in their support of the man’s reign.
The overall effect is one of idealized representation, intended to legitimize authority through a combination of human agency and divine endorsement. The artist has skillfully employed allegorical devices to create an image that transcends a simple portrait, instead presenting a symbolic narrative about power and its sources.