King Gustaf V
1858-1950

King Gustaf V is depicted here as a general in the Svea Life Guards uniform. He assumes a dignified yet easy pose, and he is the king who has reigned longest in Sweden: 43 years.

The artist Emil Österman was one of Sweden's leading portrait painters during the early 20th century.

As crown prince, Gustaf V took an interest in the young Emil Österman and offered him 300 kronor a year if he was accepted by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Österman was accepted in 1890, and the king kept his promise.