Karl XII, 1682-1718, King of Sweden, his Sisters Hedvig Sofia, 1681-1708, Princess of Sweden * David Klöcker Ehrenstråhl (1629-1698)

The composition presents a young male figure standing beside a seated woman and a small child nestled in her lap. The man is positioned slightly forward, his posture suggesting both authority and a degree of relaxed confidence. He wears elaborate military attire – a gilded breastplate over a vibrant blue cloak, paired with high boots – indicating a connection to power and martial prowess. His gaze is directed outward, beyond the frame, lending an air of contemplation or perhaps future ambition.
The woman, presumably a maternal figure, sits on an ornate chair upholstered in deep red fabric. Her dress, rendered in shimmering gold and cream tones, emphasizes her status and elegance. She holds the child close, her expression conveying tenderness and protection. The child’s face is painted with meticulous detail, capturing a sense of innocence and vulnerability.
The setting appears to be an interior space, suggested by the draped crimson curtains and glimpses of what might be foliage visible through a window. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, further reinforcing the impression of wealth and refinement. The lighting is soft and diffused, highlighting the figures’ faces and clothing while casting subtle shadows that add depth to the scene.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of familial relationships, the painting conveys subtexts related to lineage and succession. The young mans military garb implies a future role in governance or warfare, while the presence of the child suggests the continuation of a dynasty. The woman’s posture and expression underscore her role as both caregiver and guardian of this legacy. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed portraiture designed to project an image of stability, prosperity, and dynastic continuity – a visual statement about power and its transmission across generations.