David von Krafft

David Krafft, from 1719 David von Krafft (1655 – 20 September 1724), was a German-Swedish painter, the nephew and student of David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl and his successor (in 1698) as painter to the Swedish Royal Court.

Biography Krafft was born in Hamburg. Krafft became an orphan at an early age. His parents' names are not known but his mother was a sister of the Swedish court painter David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl. Krafft was called to Sweden in 1675 by Ehrenstrahl, as his assistant and apprentice. Ehrenstrahl also became his teacher in the art of painting.

In 1684 Krafft received an annual grant from Queen Ulrika Eleonora the Elder for a journey to Italy through Denmark and Germany. The purpose was first to visit the various princely courts to paint the Queen's relatives to supplement her portrait collection, and later to continue to Italy for further studies. He arrived in Italy in 1687, spent a year in Venice, three years in Rome, and one year in Bologna. He later traveled to Vienna, and was awarded an increased grant for going to Paris in 1694. He finally returned to Stockholm and his uncle's studio in 1696.

His largest painting is the Hildebrand family portrait from 1713 at Nynäs Manor, (Nynäs slott) in Södermanland, depicting the merchant and industrialist Henrik Jacob Hildebrand (1636—1714) and his wife Anna Sofia Amya on the occasion of their 50th anniversary surrounded by their over twenty children and grandchildren, as well as some deceased relatives in paintings on the wall in the background.

Krafft also painted many of King Charles's generals. Besides his many portraits which were the major portion of his production, Krafft painted a large altarpiece for Kalmar Cathedral showing the Descent from the Cross (1712).

Krafft was ennobled in 1719, receiving the surname von Krafft, and awarded the title of court intendant (hovintentendent) in 1720. He died in Stockholm during 1724.

Selected portraits