TO THE MOST SERENE AND MOST POWERFUL

PRINCESS CHRISTINA,

BY THE GRACE OF GOD

QUEEN

OF THE SWEDES, GOTHS, AND VANDALS,

GREAT DUCHESS OF FINLAND,

DUCHESS OF ESTONIA AND KARELIA,

LADY OF INGRIA, etc.

It is evident through the long record of the most illustrious histories that the art of painting has always been held in high esteem; and everyone knows that Alexander Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE)., who for greatness of spirit and of deeds was the Gustavus A reference to Gustavus Adolphus (1594–1632), the late King of Sweden and father of Queen Christina. The author is flatteringly comparing the ancient conqueror to the Queen’s father. of his century, held the great Apelles The most renowned painter of ancient Greece, who enjoyed the exclusive patronage of Alexander the Great. in honor. I shall say nothing of Fabius Quintus Fabius Pictor (c. 300 BCE), a member of a high-ranking Roman family who broke social taboos by practicing painting, earning the surname "Pictor" (The Painter)., who in that city Rome. where kings felt honored by the title of citizen, was called "The Painter" for the practice of such a noble art, and left that name to his family. Nor, to encourage Your Majesty to value this virtue Here, "virtue" refers to artistic skill or excellence., do I believe it necessary to remind you that the Emperor Antoninus Likely Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (reigned 161–180 CE), known as the philosopher-emperor, though the author may be referencing the general Roman imperial tradition of patronage. with those same hands that gave laws to the