An Unknown Man

This unsigned portrait has always been said to depict Svante Mauritzon Sture. However, it can’t be excluded that the portrait acutally depicts another member of the Sture family. The problem lies in the age of the depicted. Judging by the costume this portrait ought not to be executed after c.1605, and a more accurate date would be around 1595. We can tell that the depicted is a young man but not likely to be just eight years old. Around thirteen, however, seems to be more acceptable. This still means though, that the portrait was painted at a very late date in regards to the costume worn by the depicted.

The Sture family was on of the most influential familys in Sweden during the 16th century. Three of its most prominent members where executed on the order of the paranoid King Erik XIV for suggested conspiracy in 1567.