Countess Ebba Sparre

Painted by Sébastien Bourdon in 1652, the portrait of Countess Ebba Sparre was likely commissioned by Queen Christina of Sweden. The work was inventoried in 1656 among the Queen's goods destined for Rome. Following Christina's death, the painting passed to Cardinal Decio Azzolini in Rome, then to his nephew Marchese Pompeo Azzolini, and in 1696 was sold to Principe Livio Odescalchi, Duke of Bracciano.

It later passed to his nephew Baldassare Odescalchi-Erba, and in 1721 was sold through Pierre Crozat to Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, entering the French royal collection. In 1791 it was sold from the Orléans collection and passed through several hands before eventually entering the Samuel H. Kress Collection; it is now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

The portrait's later reputation is reflected in its distinguished ownership history. After likely being commissioned by Queen Christina of Sweden, it passed through successive noble families, including the Azzolini, Odescalchi, and Orléans collections, before being sold in the late-18th-century Orléans dispersal. This trajectory of high-profile collectors underscores its enduring esteem.

Eventually the work entered the Samuel H. Kress Collection and is now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it continues to be recognized as a significant example of Sébastien Bourdon's portraiture.

Sébastien Bourdon's oil on canvas portrait, Countess Ebba Sparre, depicts a noblewoman from the 1650s. The artist captures the sitter in an indoor setting, presenting her with an air of quiet composure. Dressed in elaborate attire, her presence is emphasized by a restrained background, allowing the viewer to focus on her subtle demeanor and the refined details of her presentation.