The appointment of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte as Swedish crown prince in 1810, and the international political events of the five subsequent years, dramatically altered the power balance in Europe. Against the backdrop of these historical developments, this book focuses on the visual manifestation of power, including the new role of the sovereign, the symbol-laden rituals, and the dynastic family ties. The exhibition features many examples of the art of ruling, and ruling by art, as illustrated in objects ranging from coffee cups to magnificent full-length portraits. The catalogue delves deeper into this wide spectrum of topics, in some ten essays by international experts.