The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborg1850-1875

1850-1875

The social and political revolts in Europe in 1848 had ushered in new times for European states, and for Denmark too. But even though the absolute monarchy was abolished with the Constitution of 1849, the monarchy was far from disengaged from power. In 1866 the so-called revised Constitution was passed, which was a democratic step backwards in favour of the Crown, the estate owners, and the wealthiest citizens. The most important event of the period was the war in 1864, which Denmark (more specifically the national liberal government) to a large degree provoked itself. The defeat to Prussia and Austria led to the loss of the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg, which was experienced as a national catastrophe. Denmark now had to come to terms with a negligible position, squeezed in amongst the commanding major powers and reduced to political neutrality.

With the death of Frederik VII in 1863 the House of Oldenburg lineage, which had been incumbent on the throne since 1448, died out. As a corollary of the First Schleswig War 1848-50 it was decided, following international agreement and a long elimination race, that the new heir to the throne would be Prince Christian of Glücksburg (Christian IX), who came from a cadet branch of the House of Oldenburg and founded the House of Glücksburg lineage of the Royal Family.

The art and cultural life of the period were marked by the national romantic tendencies which had in the first half of the century mainly been the norm for the elite, but now spread to the wider population.

Relations

Theatre Glasses

Theatre glasses with fittings of mother-of-pearl and gold enamel, featuring Countess Danner’s crowned monogram and arms, as well as miniatures of Frederiksborg and Fredensborg Palaces. A gift from Charles XV in memory of his visit to Denmark in 1862. Purveyed by Benjamin Leja of Stockholm; made in France?

Otto Bache

Otto Bache was a Danish painter who specialised in portraits, historical paintings and paintings of animals. His most famous painting is The Conspirators rides from Finderup after the Murder of Erik Klipping, 1882.

Carl Bloch

Carl Bloch was a Danish Painter and graphic artist. He is best known for various baroque-inspired paintings with motifs from history and mythology, such as Samson at the Philistines, 1863 and especially Christian II at Sønderborg Castle, 1871.

Herman Wilhelm Bissen

Herman Wilhelm Bissen was a Danish sculptor. Amongst his most famous works are the Isted Lion, erected in Flensburg in 1862, and the equestrian statue of Frederik VII in front of Christiansborg Castle.

Peter Carl Fabergé

Peter Carl Fabergé was a Russian jeweller of French descent. He is mostly known for his outstanding eggs ornamented with diamonds, so-called Fabergé eggs.

The Dynasty – The Genealogical table room

The room functions for the visitor as an introduction to the museum and shows the Danish royal line.

Queen Louise’s salon

Queen Louise’s private salon is, just as the study of her husband, Christian IX, arranged in Victorian style. At the time this was considered highly tasteful, which can seem a bit peculiar to the modern eye.

The Fabergé Chamber

On display in the Fabergé Chamber is Russian jewellery from the period 1860-1917, with a focus on the close ties between the Danish and Russian monarchies. A selection of the Danish Crown Jewels will also be exhibited.