The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects19 The CorridorFr. VI lying in state

Fr. VI lying in state

Frederik VI lying in state. Painted by S.P.L. Schack. The long standing tradition of depicting deceased monarchs “in state” was not just something of the early absolutism, but was maintained in the 1800 hundreds as well. Compared to the close up painting of Christian IV on the ground floor, this painting has evidently moved the spectator siginficantly further back. Along the same lines the facial features of the king has been somewhat blurred.

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Statuette of bronzed gypsum

The statuette of bronzed gypsym portrays king Frederik VI. The military dressing, that marks the king´s appearance on several paintings in this room, is also present with this artifact. The figurine is made in 1810 a time of a deep political crisis in Denmark-Norway in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. The crisis culminateed with the state bankruptcy of 1813 and the loss of Norway the following year. Those years have been stamped by war and crisis and hence the king is dressed in the uniform of the Royal Life Guard and holds his left hand on the saber, seeking support from the weapon.

Frederik VI, ca. 1808

Frederik VI, painted by F.C. Grøger, c. 1808.

Frederik VI and family

Frederik VI strolling with his family in Frederiksberg Gardens, around 1813; Watercolour by Johannes Senn.

Frederik VI and family

Frederik VI and Queen Marie with Princesses Caroline and Vilhelmine. Painted by C.W. Eckersberg, 1821.

Frederik VI as prince

Frederik VI when a prince; oval, painted by Jens Juel.

Chr. IV on death-bed

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

1825-1850

The years towards the middle of the 19th century became increasingly marked by the national conflict between the Danes and Germans in the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. It culminated in the Three Years' War, or the First Schleswig War in 1848-51.

Frederik VI

Frederik VI was the King of Denmark from 1808 and of Norway 1808-1814; son of Christian VII and Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain. He had no male heirs.