The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects15 Christian VII's RoomFrederik VI, 1794

Frederik VI, 1794

This portrait of the Crown Prince is the earliest known of Frederik (VI) without a wig. The Crown Prince’s natural hair is, however, powdered and combed back. At the end of the 18th century fashion too had been influenced by the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s radical thinking about the natural. Therefore, wigs, big hairstyles, tight bodice dresses, and richness of detail in clothing were being replaced by a simpler style. The portrait was painted in 1794, and the Crown Prince wears a blue admiral’s uniform.

There is uncertainty about whether Jens Juel painted this portrait himself. The great interest in being portrayed by the popular artist meant that he had to get assistance to complete the many commissions. His workshop was for the same reason known as Juel’s ‘portrait factory’ by sharp tongues of the time.

Relations

Christian VII

Christian VII was the King of Denmark-Norway from 1766, son of Frederik V and Louise of Great Britain. Married in 1766 to Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain and father of Frederik VI.

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.

Frederik VI and family

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

Frederik VI and family

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

Fr. VI lying in state

Frederik VI lying in state. Painted by S.P.L. Schack.

Frederik VI as prince

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

Jens Juel

The painter Jens Juel represents something close to the high point of Danish portrait painting of the 18th century. He later became a much celebrated court painter.