Gustav (1683–1685), Prince of Sweden, Still Life, 1685

Cornelis van der Meulen (1642 - 1691)

Artist/Maker

Artist: Cornelis van der Meulen (1642 - 1691)

Copy after: Nicolaes Millich (1633 - 1699)

DatesSigned: Signed 1686

Material / Technique

Oil on canvas

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 60,5 x 48,5 cm h x w x d: Ram 68 x 56 x 5,5 cm

Inventory numberNMGrh 1363

AcqusitionTransferred 1865 Gripsholm Castle

Other titlesTitle (sv): Gustav (1683–1685), prins av Sverige, stilleben, 1685 Title (en): Gustav (1683–1685), Prince of Sweden, Still Life, 1685 Label (sv): Gustav, prins av Sverige Label (en): Gustav, prince of Sweden

DescriptionDescription: Cornelis van der Meulen came to Sweden from the Netherlands in 1678. In 1685–86, as a commission from Dowager Queen Hedvig Eleonora, he painted two of her deceased grandchildren, Princes Gus- tav and Ulrik. His image of Gustav is in fact a portrait of a portrait, reproducing Nicolaes Millich’s marble bust of the prince, which is at Drottningholm. It is also a still life with symbols of the brevity of life, like the skull and the soap bubble resting in the shell.

Exhibited

Nationalmuseum -> Room 1662 17th century

Depicted Person

Prince Gustav (1683 - 1685)

Collection

Paintings (Paintings)

MaterialDuk, Oil paint

TechniquePainting

Object category

painting

Extern ID

Wikidata: http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q18578512

Additional texteExhibition text: Cornelis van der Meulen was the first person in Sweden to paint trompe l’œil-works, where it can be difficult to distinguish between real and painted objects. The marble busts of the deceased princes Ulrik and Gustav, are surrounded by symbols of the transience of life: a withering rose bud, symbolizing an early death, and a soap bubble. Karl XI and Ulrika Eleonora the Elder lost four children within two years.