The triumphant leader seen in front of his people was a common image in 19th century painting. Such images enabled artists to honour historic heroes in a nationalist spirit. Here, Georg von Rosen has shown Sten Sture the Elder riding into Stockholm after his victory at the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471. The victory was often decribed in the 19th century as a Swedish victory over the Danes. In point of fact, many Swedish soldiers fought on the union king Christian’s side.