Gustav Vasa is represented here as a prince by the grace of God, as the inscription suggests: “Saviour of the world, assist us”. The sword by the king’s side and the crown above his head are clear symbols of power. The costly, modern costume also communicates his position. In the mid 16th century there were no Swedish artists capable of producing a portrait of this quality. The sculptor was probably Willem Boy, who came to Sweden from Flanders in 1558.