The Vasa Museum in Stockholm houses a unique wooden sculpture that depicts a Polish nobleman tucked under a bench and barking like a dog. This sculpture, richly decorated and detailed, is part of the decoration of the ship Vasa, which sank during its maiden voyage in 1628. The figure of the nobleman is wearing the traditional nobleman's costume of the period, and his position and gestures suggest that he is imitating a dog. This humorous scene is an example of Baroque sculptural art, which often combined serious and humorous elements. The work also reflects the Swedes' perception of the Poles at the time, which may have been related to historical tensions between the two nations. Hiding under a bench symbolised a lower social position, even humiliation. In a hierarchical social structure, where position and pride were important aspects, such a representation lowered the status of the person depicted. Barking like a dog referred to the loss of human dignity and behaving like an animal. In the European culture of the time, humans were considered to be superior beings to animals, and imitating their behaviour was seen as degrading. At the time, relations between Sweden and Poland were tense, especially in the context of wars and rivalries for influence. This kind of depiction of the Polish nobleman was a deliberate act of propaganda, aimed at ridiculing the opponent and showing his weaknesses.

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