The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgJohann Friedrich Struensee

Johann Friedrich Struensee

J.F. Struensee was born in Germany. He was educated in Halle and worked after that as a physician in Altona. In 1768, Struensee became physician to the mentally ill Christian VII, and after having travelled with the King, he moved to Copenhagen.

The King’s new physician entered a confident relationship with his patient and took part in Court life. In 1770 he began a love affair with Queen Caroline Mathilde, who the following year gave birth to Princess Louise Augusta, officially a daughter of the King. Struensee also gained political influence very quickly; in 1771 he was appointed Privy Cabinet minister and enjoyed practically unlimited powers. He carried out several reforms, for example freedom of the press, in accordance with the theories of the Enlightenment, by which he was strongly inspired.

In 1772 Struensee was arrested and condemned to death for lese-majeste, and together with his friend, Count Enevold Brandt, he was beheaded. His body was quartered and put on the wheel and spear. Most of his reforms were nullified after the execution.

 

Relations

J.F. Struensee, 1824

Portrait of Count J.F. Struensee. Copy by Hans Hansen, 1824, of original by Jens Juel.

Caroline Mathilde

Caroline Mathilde became the Queen of Denmark in 1766, when she married Christian VII. She was a sister of King George III of Great Britain. Caroline Mathilde was the mother of Frederik VI and Princess Louise Augusta.

1750-1775

The long peaceful period continued into the second half of the 18th century, and in time the economy also blossomed. The great powers of Europe were at war during long periods and trade found new ways to the benefit of neutral Denmark.

Christian VII

Christian VII was the King of Denmark-Norway from 1766, son of Frederik V and Louise of Great Britain. Married in 1766 to Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain and father of Frederik VI.

Frederik VI

Frederik VI was the King of Denmark from 1808 and of Norway 1808-1814; son of Christian VII and Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain. He had no male heirs.

Juliane Marie

Queen Juliane Marie. The pastel is a copy of original by Vigilius Erichsen.

Prince Frederik

Frederik the Heir Presumptive, Frederik V’s son. Small plaster of Paris bust by Hartman Beeken.

Louise Augusta, 1771

Portrait of Princess Louise Augusta as a child. Pastel by H.P. Sturz, 1771.