EXPLANATION of the FRONTISPIECE.
The sceptred Apollo points to a large Temple situated at a distance. In the frieze of this edifice are exhibited those insignia which characterize the different Academies at Stockholm: that of the Sciences; that of the Belles Lettres, History, and Antiquities; that of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture; that of Music; all of which have been embellished by the munificence of Gustavus III.
The front displays a Serpent, the emblem of Eternity; and exhibits the motto of the Swedish Academy: "To Genius and Taste."
In the foreground appear several Groups of Spectators, representing the inhabitants of the North. Some of them behold with admiration the Sanctuary of Science, while others with gratitude direct their attention towards the august Monarch, who is at once the honour and the patron of the Arts. Under their feet they trample beds of Thistles, an emblem of the ignorance of former ages.
