The Royal Danish CollectionAmalienborgThe PalaceInterior and objectsThe Gala HallSculptures

Sculptures

A young Bertel Thorvaldsen created the Gala Hall’s two sculptures, which represent Euterpe and Terpsichore, respectively the Muses of music and dance in Greek mythology.

The two goddesses underline the room’s function as a banquet hall, which is also apparent from the dance frieze, and the vines which the console tables are decorated with. Bertel Thorvaldsen is the most well-known Danish sculptor, and lived most of his life in Rome and became a master of the neoclassical sculptural style. Because of his exceptional talent, Thorvaldsen became a pupil of Nicolai Abildgaard at a very young age, and in this way received the assignment in the Gala Hall.

Relations

Jewel of Pearl, Gold, and Precious Stones

The pendant was a present to Princess Caroline Amalie from the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s friend, Count Sommariva. The jewel is composed of a pearl mounted with gold and represents a rabbit with a diamond and a ruby as eyes. During the baroque, unusually formed pearls were seen as a gift from God. Goldsmiths were inspired by the individual pearl and freely invented a figure which was supplemented with gold and often with precious stones. Several examples of this tradition can be seen in The Green Cabinet at Rosenborg. In the 1800s the tradition was revived, and the rabbit pendant stems from this period. The present was given in 1821, when Princess Caroline Amalie and her consort Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik stayed in Rome for an extended period during a three-year journey abroad and associated with Thorvaldsen and the circle around the famous artist.

Cigarette case in gold

Cigarette case in gold and enamel with a Russian Emperor's Crown in brilliants.

Golden Egg with Hen

This golden egg was made in France around 1720. It was a present from Charlotte d'Orléans to Caroline Matilda of Great Britain.

Polar bear skin

The polar bear skin under the round table is placed in the study of Frederik VIII as a symbol of Greenland, as there is a polar bear depicted in Greenland's shield of arms.

Chaiselongue

The chaiselongue from 1864 is made of satin with twisted silk fringes and two large tassels.

Equestrian statuette

Silver statuette of a woman riding in a ladies saddle, approximately 40 cm in height, beautifully manufactured with many details, probably from the 1870s.

Porcelain chandelier

The chandelier was given as a gift to Christian IX and Queen Louise by the German Emperor Wilhelm II at their golden wedding in 1892.

Prince Vilhelm, 1853

Christian IX and Queen Louise's middle son, Prince Vilhelm (later George I of Greece), portrayed by August Schiøtt in 1853, when the prince was eight years old.