Atterbom was one of the most prominent writers of Swedish Romanticism, best known for Lycksalighetens ö (The Isle of the Blessed) and his travel writings. Sandberg has painted him in ancient costume, an allusion to his play and an intimation that he will be ever present in the consciousness of future generations. Atterbom and his friends in the Aurora Society considered themselves to represent a new dawn. They published the journal Phosphoros (The Morning Star), which is also hinted at in the painting.