Due to the dim/dramatic lighting, the photos here really do no justice to the amazing size or beauty of the Vasa. "The Vasa is not merely a ship - she is also an art treasure. Around 700 sculptures and ornaments decorate the warship. Most of them relate, in a symbolic way, how the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus wished the world to see him and Sweden. Also as the Vasa was built during the war between Sweden and Poland there are also elements to degrade the enemy. Today we may call the sculptures pure propaganda." source: & For more info see: http://www.vasamuseet.se/Vasamuseet/Skeppet/Historia.aspx