The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects3: Christian IV's BedroomBlood-stained clothes

Blood-stained clothes

Christian IV’s blood-stained clothes from the naval battle of Kolberger Heide, 1st July 1644. During the battle Christian IV was on board his flagship “Trefoldigheden” where he was hit and pierced by several canonball and cannon fragments. The king fell instantly and despite fears of his death, he survived and merely lost sight on his right eye, resulting in his subsequent wish to be portrayed only from his left side. It was Christian IV’s own decision to keep these clothes.

In detail: a black-and-purple jerkin of silk velvet with a blood-stained lace collar and cuff. Right shoulder pierced by bullet.Cap of coloured silk with Tønder lace. Lining marked C4 and 1642. Pierced by shot. The King’s blood-stained handkerchief, embroidered with C4 1644. Embroidered cap of pale-green satin; a piece of green taffeta has been fastened to it serving as a patch for the King’s blinded eye. Shirt with lace border; embroidered with C4 1644. Pillow-case with Tønder lace, blood-stained embroidered with C4.

 

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Ear ornaments

Ear ornaments in white gold enamel shaped as hands, holding splinters from a blown up cannon and a Swedish cannon ball that injured Christian IV in the naval battle of Kolberger Heide. The ornaments belonged to Vibeke Kruse.

Christian IV's vision

Christian IV’s vision before the naval battle of Listerdyb, 1644. The painting illustrates the King’s dream of an honourable resurrection the night before his victory over a superior Swedish-Dutch fleet. Christian IV supposedly had a lot of visions during his reign. Unknown artist.

Chr. IV on death-bed

Christian IV on his death-bed. Painted by Bernt Hilwaerts, 1648.

1625-1650

The second half of Christian IV's reign became a time of recession. The economic crisis became more severe, and at the same time the fortunes of war turned.

Christian IV

Christian IV was the King of Denmark and Norway from 1588; crowned in 1596. Son of Frederik II and Sophie of Mecklenburg.