The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborg1775-1800

1775-1800

The time of peace lasted to the end of the century, and neutral Denmark continued to enjoy economic benefits due to the fact that the rest of Europe was at war most of the time. At the same time a Danish nationalist tendency made its mark. The Law of Naturalization was introduced in 1776; it was meant to ensure that state offices could only be occupied by Danes.

In 1784 Crown Prince Frederik (VI) carried out a coup d’état, and Ove Høegh-Guldberg and Queen Dowager Juliane Marie lost power. Formally, Denmark was still ruled by the ill Christian VII, but the Crown Prince was now the real leader of the Kingdom. Adscription was abolished in 1788 during the rule of Frederik.

Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794 and had to be abandoned as a Royal residence. Instead the King and the Crown Prince moved to Amalienborg Palace. The end of the 18th century was strongly influenced by Neo-classicism, with Jens Juel as an important representative in art.

Relations

13 The Rose

The name "The Rose" dates from the time of Frederik IV, when this central antechamber was used as a dining hall for the ladies and gentlemen of the court.

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.

Bertel Thorvaldsen

Bertel Thorvaldsen is one of the most famous sculptors in Denmark. His work was clearly inspired by classiscal Greece and Rome.

14 Frederik V's Cabinet

This is the first of the rooms occupied by Frederik IV's brother, Prince Carl.

Frederik the Heir Presumptive

Frederik, the Danish Heir Presumptive, was the son of Frederik V and Juliane Marie. He was married to Sophie Frederikke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, who gave birth to Christian VIII.

Adam Gottlob Moltke

Adam Gottlob Moltke, Count and Lord Stewart, was a member of an old noble family. When he was twelve years old he became page to Crown Prince Christian (VI). He later became the educator of Christian VI's son Frederik (V), who became closely attached to him.

Louise Augusta

Princess Louise Augusta was married to Frederik Christian of Augustenborg in 1786. She was the mother of Caroline Mathilde, the Queen of Christian VIII.

Marie Sophie Frederikke

Marie Sophie Frederikke became Queen of Denmark in 1808. She was the daughter of Landgrave Carl of Hesse-Kassel and married Frederik (VI) in 1790.