Count Carl Gustaf Tessin
1761
Meet Count Carl Gustaf Tessin, a man who clearly knew how to make an entrance in 1761. Painted by Gustaf Lundberg, the 'king of pastels' in Sweden, this portrait is a masterclass in Rococo elegance. Notice the incredibly soft, chalky texture of the pink ermine-lined robe and the intricate lace—it’s all done in pastel, a medium Lundberg mastered to perfection to capture the sheen of silk and the fluff of powdered wigs. The Count is decked out in the heavy gold chain of the Order of the Seraphim (those distinctive blue crosses), showing off his high status. Tessin was actually a huge art lover and diplomat who spent years in France, basically importing French style and taste back to Sweden, which is why he looks like he just stepped out of a Versailles party.
- Technique
- Pastel
Location: Nationalmuseum, Stockholm