Historical Women of Siuntio - Maria Gyllenstierna af Lundholm

This portrait by Elias Martin depicts Baroness (friherrinna) Maria Gyllenstierna af Lundholm (1716–1783), wife of the Councillor of State, Esbjörn Kristian Reuterholm. The couple resided at Suitia Manor in Siuntio, where they were prominent figures in the local landed gentry.

The Baroness was a significant patron of St Peter's Church in Siuntio. In 1773, she donated a large altarpiece, painted in Stockholm, depicting Jesus in Gethsemane, still on display in the church. Beyond this artistic contribution, she commissioned the construction of the Reuterholm family chapel adjacent to the church.

The chapel was designed as a dual-purpose structure:

• Lower Level: A crypt for the family's interments.
• Upper Level: A dedicated memorial and prayer space.

The chapel's history took a dramatic turn during the geopolitical shifts of the early 19th century. In 1815, following Finland's transition from Swedish to Russian rule (becoming an autonomous Grand Duchy), the chapel's contents—including the family coffins—were evacuated to Strängnäs Cathedral in Sweden.

Following a devastating fire at St Peter's Church in 1823, the now-vacant chapel was repurposed as a sacristy, a role it continues to serve today. This transition reflects the enduring architectural evolution of the parish site across different eras of Finnish history.

Maria Gyllenstierna af Lundholm

Image: Nationalmuseum

References:

• ”Svidja slott och Sjundeå kyrka”. Finnish Heritage Agency. (accessed 24.4.2026)
• ”Gustaf Adolf Reuterholm styrde med järnhand”. Populär Historia. 19 februari 2021. (accessed 24.4.2026)
• ”Altartavlorna”. Siuntio Parish Union. (accessed 24.4.2026)
• ”Gravkapellet och gravkoret”. Siuntio Parish Union. (accessed 24.4.2026)