Queen Christine Of Sweden Collection
Queen Christine of Sweden, also known as Kristina, was a remarkable and controversial figure in European history
For sale as Licensed Images
Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media
Queen Christine of Sweden, also known as Kristina, was a remarkable and controversial figure in European history. Born in 1626, she ascended to the throne at the age of six following her father's death. Known for her intelligence and love of learning, Queen Christine was an avid patron of the arts and sciences. Despite being raised as a Protestant, Queen Christine shocked Europe when she abdicated the throne in 1654 and converted to Catholicism. This decision caused outrage among her subjects and led to her exile from Sweden. She spent much of her later life traveling throughout Europe, befriending philosophers such as René Descartes. Queen Christine was known for her unconventional behavior and refusal to conform to societal norms. She dressed in men's clothing, smoked tobacco openly, and had numerous affairs with both men and women. Despite facing criticism for her lifestyle choices, she remained unapologetically herself until her death in 1689. Today, Queen Christine is remembered as a complex figure who defied gender expectations and challenged traditional notions of power. Her legacy continues to fascinate historians and inspire artists around the world.