Polman, PĂ„hlman, von Pohlmann family
exhibition
This exhibition is made possible by the generous contributions of Skoklosters slott and Wikimedia Commons.
The Battle of Riga
By the early 17th century, Sweden controlled not only Estonia but the whole Baltic Sea.28 It is easy to forget that Sweden was once a large empire, controlling much of Northern Europe. Under the reign of Gustavus Adolphus, the objective of Swedenâs foreign policy was dominion over the coasts of the Baltic Sea, dominium maris baltici.29 After the Swedes gained control of PĂ€rnu in northern Livonia, Gustavus turned his attention to Riga. It was here that Wrangelâs officers would wield their might. The kingâs troops arrived in the summer of 1621 and, after a siege of just over a month, Riga finally surrendered.
© Armémuseum
The Dashing Major
Jöran Polman served with diligence, and was one of twenty soldiers whose portrait adorns the walls of Swedenâs Skokloster Castle. Read Jöran’s biography ->
Herman Wrangel’s Officers
In 1623, the field marshal Herman Wrangel commissioned life-sized portraits of his officers, which adorn the walls of the magnificent baroque castle Skokloster. They are the gallant Swedish soldiers of the Thirty Yearsâ War who, in 1621, seized and captured the fortress of Riga, ensuring Swedenâs control over the coasts of the Baltic Sea. Read more about the valiant officers here ->
CC BY Jens Mohr, Skoklosters slott / SHM
Be careful, however, that you do not become so concerned about their form and habit that you forget to know who the soldiers were. All were under the auspices of Gustavus the Great, the glorious glory of arms, with me as leader and witness, well deserved of King and Country.
Jöran Polman’s Portrait: Up Close
Get up close and personal with this portrait, learning about the man, fashion, and how to spot the difference between officers of Scandinavian and Baltic German origin. Hover over each arrow to reveal more information.
Portrait of Jörgen PĂ„lman by Georg GĂŒnther Kraill von Bemeberg, 1623
CC BY Jens Mohr, Skoklosters slott / SHM
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