Engraving of the Insignia Bearers

King Karl XI's carousel celebrating his ascension to the throne in 1672 was depicted by the artist David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl and printed in Nuremberg from copperplates made by Georg Christoph Eimmart. The work, consisting of 63 plates, was published in 1686. Plate 18 shows the insignias, duly copied from Roman reliefs. They were a central part of the recreation of the Roman troops. Their importance was highlighted by the bearer's dignity. The rider to the left is Major General Carl Arensdorff who the year after the carousel deflected to the Danish army. The middle rider is Baron Georg Sperling. The rider to the right is Baron Adam Wachtmeister who died at the battle of Fehrbellin in 1675.