Westin’s allegory is based on a poem by Esaias Tegnér. Both emphasise the Scandinavian in connection with the crown princess’s arrival, but with references to antiquity. Josefina brings light, like Aurora, goddess of the dawn. With spring, swans also come to Scandinavia, a symbol of marital fidelity and of Josefina’s father’s family, the Beauharnais. On the shore, a seated woman leans against a rune stone, holding a rune staff in her hand – ancient Scandinavia in the figure of the Saga/Mother Svea.