Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie

Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie was a Swedish noble, landowner, statesman and patron of arts. He was head of Charles XI’s (r.1660-1697) administration from 1660 to 1680. During the youth of Charles XI, until 1672, he headed the Council of Regency.

Magnus held many important offices, he was Lord High Treasurer, Lord High Chancellor, Lord High Steward, and a Governor-General in the Swedish dominion of Livonia. At his peak De la Gardie owned estates and castles in the provinces of Uppland, Närke, Västmanland and Västergötland. He also owned large properties in Livonia, Finland, Pomerania and Mecklenburg, at the time all parts of Sweden. In 1674 De la Gardie had at least 50 on-going projects in Sweden and its provinces, excluding the 37 churches he was constructing or repairing at the time. He also brought sculptors, architects and painters to Sweden to make contributions to his constructions and restorations.

De la Gardie’s foreign policy was discredited with the outbreak of war with Denmark and Brandenburg in 1675, and the poor condition of the army brought financial disorders to light. He was replaced as minister, and an inquiry into the administration of the regency led to his being fined, and he died impoverished.