Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Johan Oxenstierna

Count Johan Axelsson Oxenstierna (1611-1657), Swedish statesman, son of Axel Oxenstierna, completed his studies at Uppsala in 1631, and was sent by his father on a grand tour through France, the Netherlands and Great Britain. He served under Count Gustavus Horn in the Thirty Years' War from 1632, and was subsequently employed by his father in various diplomatic missions, though his instructions were always so precise and minute that he was little more than the executor of the Chancellor's wishes. He was one of the commissioners who signed the truce of 1635 with Poland, and in 1639, much against his father's will, was made a Privy Councillor. Along with Salvius he represented Sweden at the great peace congress of Osnabrück, but as he received his instructions direct from his father, whereas Salvius was in the queen's confidence, the two “legates” were constantly at variance. From 1650 to 1652 he was Governor General of Swedish Pomerania. Charles X of Sweden made him Earl Constable of Sweden.

See also: Axel Oxenstierna, Gabriel Oxenstierna, Bengt Oxenstierna, Oxenstierna (family), List of Swedish politicians

References