Tessin, Carl Gustaf, 1695-1770

Count Carl Gustaf Tessin (5 September 1695 – 7 January 1770) was a Swedish count and politician and son of architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger and Hedvig Eleonora Stenbock. He was one of the most brilliant personages of his day, and the most prominent representative of French culture in Sweden. He was also often considered a fine orator. Carl Gustaf Tessin began his public career in 1723 and was quickly noted for his eloquence and diplomacy. In 1725, he was appointed ambassador to Vienna, and upon his return became prominent in the Riksdag of the Estates, challenging the government. From 1739 to 1742, Tessin served as ambassador to France, and proved able to improve Franco-Swedish relations as ambassador; Tessin was considered a friend of the French monarchy during his tenure. During his time in Versailles, Carl Gustaf Tessin was noted for his cultural patronage, sponsoring numerous artists and musicians. Upon his return to Stockholm, he continued his work in his native country, building one of Sweden's largest art collections; Tessin's art collection, along with that of his king, Gustav III, became the original core of the collection of Sweden's Nationalmuseum. Carl Gustaf Tessin died at his country estate, Åkerö Manor, in 1770; he made numerous contributions to the development of Swedish culture throughout his life.