By subtle use of various attributes, such as the sculpture of two blacksmiths or a bookend in the shape of a kneeling Dalecarlian horse, the artist shows that this is a Swedish statesman and Social Democrat. Anyone who does not recognise him can read his name on the spine of a book, which also tells us his age: 68. Göran Persson regards us with a serious gaze, as if we have surprised him in the middle of an exciting read. The image is both simple and dignified.