Grafmonument van Carl Carlsson Gyllenhielm in de kathedraal van Strängnäs 1669

Jean Lepautre made this print of Carl Carlsson Gyllenhielm's burial monument using etching. Carl Gyllenhielm was an illegitimate son of King Carl IX, making him a member of the Swedish royal family. Positioned in the cathedral of Strängnäs, this grand monument would have represented the power and prestige of the Swedish aristocracy in the 17th century. Its location within a religious building shows the close relationship between church and state, where royal families often had close ties with religious institutions. Lepautre, a French designer and engraver, was known for his detailed architectural and ornamental prints. His images circulated widely, influencing design trends across Europe. As a historical record, this print allows us to analyze the design and cultural values of the period, inviting questions about social status and the role of the church. By exploring records and archives, the social historian can learn more about the context in which art is produced and viewed, and how art reflects cultural values of its time.