The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborg1650-1675

1650-1675

The wars of Charles Gustavus (1657-1658 and 1658-1660) were the important events in foreign politics of the period. The loss of Scania, Halland and Blekinge at the Peace of Roskilde in 1658 was a nadir of power politics in Danish history. On the other hand, the Swedish siege of Copenhagen from August 1658 to May 1660 became the foundation of the Royal couple’s great popularity. That made way for the introduction of the absolute monarchy in 1660, when Frederik III received homage as hereditary King and freed himself from the influence of the nobility. Hereby, the long lasting power struggle between King and nobility was brought to a conclusion.

Frederik III was succeeded by Christian V in 1670. The monarchy’s progress continued, and Christian was able to turn his attention to Sweden to prepare for a war of revenge, the Scanian War, which was started in 1675.

Rosenborg was frequently used as the residence for Frederik III and Sophie Amalie, who made several conversions. Around 1665 they exchanged chambers on the ground floor, and at the same time, two of the rooms were fitted in fashionable Chinese style. Christian V’s appointment of the first Knights of Dannebrog in 1671 took place in Rosenborg Castle.

Relations

Alchemical Gold

The round container with an enamel rosette on the lid contains an oval surface of yellow metal. The metal is specified as alchemical gold and is said to have been produced by Frederik III with the help of the Italian Giuseppe Borri. Alchemy presumed that all substances stemmed from earth, water, air and fire, and were simply combined in different ways. Until the 1700s it was therefore thought that other metals could be changed into gold. Members of society’s elite have throughout history attempted the process, and this object bears witness that the king was no exception.

Costume jewellery

Costume jewellery; eleven hearts of silver with rubies. From the 17th century.

The Royal Statutes

The Royal Statutes, was the constitution of the Danish absolute monarchy 1665-1849, in a silver case with Frederik III's monogram.

Christian V on the Throne

Michael von Haven’s depiction of Christian V on the throne in Frederiksborg Palace Chapel.

Silver boxes

Nine silver boxes ofwhich eight contain the umbilical cords of Frederik III's children, believed to provide protection against disease and death.

Christening set

Set of basin, pitcher and two candlesticks of gold, used since 1671 at the christening of the Royal children.

Frederik III's children

Frederik III's five eldest children.

4: The Dark Room

This room was originally connected to the Stone Passage and served as an antechamber dividing the King's apartments from those of the Queen at the south end of the palace.