Salvatorsorden

The Salvator Order (“Order of the Saviour”) was a Swedish chivalric order established by Erik XIV no later than 1561. It consisted of a chain composed of angel heads and vases, from which hung an oval medallion bearing the image of the Saviour and the king’s motto “Deus dat cui vult” (“God gives to whom he wills”). The medallion could also be suspended from a ribbon.

It is unknown whether others were awarded the order, but Erik’s correspondence shows that he intended to confer it on the King of France.

In addition to appearing in portraits of Erik, the order is also depicted around the coat of arms of the realm on certain coins and on the king’s seal.