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Stockholm (dpa) - A photograph of Swedish poet Tomas Transtomer became the latest addition to the state portrait collection, a news release said Monday.
The black-and-white photo by Hans Geddda was unveiled Sunday in Transtromer's presence at Gripsholm Castle near Mariefred, 70 kilometres west of Stockholm, the National Museum said.
The castle, built in 1537 by King Gustav Vasa, houses the state portrait collection.
The photo shows Transtromer sitting at a table with his head lowered, studying his left arm - after losing the use of his right arm following a stroke in 1990.
Transtromer, 75, is regarded as perhaps Sweden's greatest living poet and Swedish media sometimes mention him as a possible contender for the Nobel Literature Prize.
Gedda said he had consulted with Transtromer about including a scarab in the photo. The poet, who has been unable to speak since the stroke, revealed that he had collected scarabs and insects from an early age.
Gripsholm Castle is currently also showing an exhibition of black- and-white photographs of Swedish kings, including King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
