Jacob Heinrich Elbfas

Born around 1600 in Livonia, he was a Baltic German painter who became a prominent figure in Sweden.¹

He established himself in Sweden starting in 1622, beginning his professional career as a portrait painter.¹

From 1628, he settled in Stockholm and became a guild master, solidifying his professional status.¹

He served as a court painter for Queen Maria Eleonora from 1634 to 1640, gaining significant prestige.¹

His influence waned after Queen Christina invited a new generation of foreign artists to the Swedish court in the 1640s.¹

His portrait style had a considerable influence on Swedish art until a new generation of artists emerged in the 1640s.¹

He died in Stockholm in 1664, having been a key figure in the development of Swedish portraiture.¹