duglassum-robert-douglas-count-of-skenninge-portrait-kupferstich

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Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on July 13, 2023 at 18:05

http://die-alten-schweden.heimat.eu/hswe4dou/index.html

Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on July 13, 2023 at 17:46

Totally understandable, William. As the host / administrator of the DA your discernment is most prudent. 

Comment by William Douglas on July 13, 2023 at 10:12

I think it probably is the same person - but I want to be sure.

I hope to write up an article for a future newsletter - long overdue.

Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on July 12, 2023 at 17:23

William, I believe this is the same Robert Douglas. I did not change the title of the image from its source. I know that in no way is proof. I shall re examine the source of image. May I ask, what is it that causes your doubt?

Comment by William Douglas on July 11, 2023 at 10:01

Is this the same man?

Field Marshal Robert Douglas, Count of Skenninge.

Robert was born in East Lothian in 1611. He became a soldier and, like many Scottish soldiers, fought in Europe during the 30 Years War. In 1627 he was appointed as a page in the Swedish military under John Casimir, Count Palatine of Kleeburg, Castellan of Stegeborg Castle, and brother-in-law of King Gustav II Adolf.

In 1635, as a Lieutenant Colonel, Robert was responsible for the defence of Egeln in Saxony, surrounded by territories of the newly hostile Elector Johan Georg who had changed sides in the war. Douglas managed to break out rather than change sides and return with most of his men through hostile lines to Swedish controlled territory.

Perhaps influenced by his marriage to Hedvig Mörner in 1646, Robert opted to remain in the Swedish Army, rather than returning to Scotland and participated in many battles over his career. Robert and Hedvig had six sons, of whom four lived to adulthood, and a daughter. Three of their sons became officers and died without having children. Their daughter married into a Swedish noble family. Their son, Gustaf, was first of the Swedish-born noble line of Douglas.

Robert was created a baron by Queen Christina in 1651, and a count in 1654. In 1652, she made him the kingdom's Lord Master of the Horse. During the Polish Wars, he was in the service of King Charles X, and was with the king at the battle of Warsaw in 1656. On 13 May 1657, the king promoted him to field marshal. Between 1658 and 1661 he was the military governor of Estonia and Livonia. He also led the Swedish forces in the conquests of Valmiera and Mitau.

Robert Douglas died in 1662 and is buried in the Douglas chapel in the church of Vreta Abbey. His descendants, the Swedish Douglas family, is one of Sweden's most prominent noble families since the mid 17th century and has included numerous prominent individuals, such as Foreign Minister Ludvig Douglas.

Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on July 2, 2023 at 12:31

Translated as punctuated. 

The image of Douglas represents a magnanimous president: No mater how many, you will be sure of the war.