The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects12 Christian VI's RoomLathe

Lathe

Queen Sophie Magdalene’s lathe designed by Diderich de Thurah, 1735-36. Turning had traditionally been a men’s hobby. In the 18th century royal women and children also learned the art, probably encouraged by the artist Lorenz Spengler who was brought to court in 1743. The lathe symbolizes Sophie Magdalene’s belief that royal dignity demanded magnificience in both great and small matters.

Relations

Carriage; carved in ivory

Carriage with a lady-in-waiting. Carved in ivory by Diderich de Thurah, 1749.

Lorenz Spengler

The ivory turner Lorenz Spengler, from Schaffhausen in Switzerland, arrived in Copenhagen in 1743. He was made court turner and taught most of the Royal family, among them Christian VI and later Frederik V, in the art of turning.

Sophie Magdalene

Sophie Magdalene became Queen of Denmark in 1730. She was the daughter of Margrave Christian Heinrich of Brandenburg-Kulmbach. In 1721 she was married to Prince Christian (VI). She was the mother of Frederik V.

1725-1750

The conclusion of the Great Nordic War in 1720 was the beginning of a long Danish period of peace. Christian VI succeeded Frederik IV in 1730, and his was the first reign during which Denmark was not at war.