Oscar II, King of Sweden and Norway, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This is a chromolithograph from around 1870-1920, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of their Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series. The work presents the Coat of Arms of Sweden, dominated by a heraldic shield. The shield is visually stabilized by symmetrical composition and centered placement of the shield. Lions acting as supporters create a balanced design, further emphasized by the use of heraldic colours—primarily red, gold and blue—to structure the visual field. The design functions as a semiotic device, where elements such as the lions signify strength and nobility. The crown suggests authority, and the arrangement of these elements communicates ideas of national identity. The text underscores the role of commercial enterprise within a larger cultural context. Ultimately, the chromolithograph operates on both aesthetic and symbolic levels, reflecting the values of its time and prompting ongoing interpretation of its visual and cultural codes.