Johan, Count Gyllenstierna

Johan, Count Gyllenstierna (born Feb. 18, 1635, Brännkyrka, Swed.—died June 10, 1680, Landskrona) was a statesman and chief adviser of King Charles XI of Sweden. From the beginning of his career (at the Riksdag, or Parliament, of 1660), Gyllenstierna advocated a strong royal authority and opposition to the nobles of the Riksråd (Council of the Realm). During Charles XI’s minority, an opposition group in the regency and in the council had Gyllenstierna elected president of...