In eighteenth-century Sweden, the lifestyle of elites was strongly influenced by France and French culture. Indeed, it has been argued that French cosmopolitan culture dominated elite lifestyles throughout eighteenth-century Europe. 1 However, the paradigm of a French Europe has been significantly nuanced by recent scholarship, which stresses the multiculturalism of the eighteenth century. 2 Pierre-Yves Beaurepaire argues that, contrary to what has been affirmed in previous research, Europe did not assimilate to France, but acculturated, negotiated and enriched French influences in local conditions. 3 In Sweden, French influences were especially visible amongst the aristocracy and titled nobility, who considered France as another cultural fatherland. This influence spanned from education and the use of French language in social occasions and correspondence; military and diplomatic careers in France; styles of clothing, architecture and interior decorations; commissioning luxury goods from Paris, and employing French servants.Charlotta Wolff stresses the significance of political alliance between Sweden and France, and Swedish aristocrats' personal interest in France, French language and French culture as key factors in forming close connections between the two countries. 4 Many Swedish aristocrats spent years in 1 Classic studies on French 'radiance' in Europe include Pierre Chaunu, La civilisation de l'Europe des Lumières
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