Erik Sparre ordered this portrait by Largillière in 1713, when he was Swedish ambassador in Paris. Sparre had served as a lieutenant-general in the French army. He had his own regiment, which was to become the Royal Suédois, and is therefore portrayed as a general. He was very pleased with the result. Due to his good reputation and contacts, Sparre finally succeeded in establishing a subsidy agreement with France in 1715.