The Royal Danish CollectionAmalienborgThe kingsChristian VI

Christian VI

Christian VI was the King of Denmark-Norway from 1730; son of Frederik IV and Louise of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. He was married to Sophie Magdalene of Brandenburg-Kulmbach in 1721. Father of Frederik V.

During the reign of Christian VI, Denmark went through a serious economic crisis and adscription was introduced in 1733. His reign was the first in a very long period during which the Kingdom was not at war. Both the King and the Queen were strongly influenced by Pietism, which led to the introduction of confirmation in 1736 and church attendance became compulsory.

The religiousness of the Royal couple put a dampener on Court life, and they chose seclusion from the population. When the King was driven in his carriage, it was mostly with its curtains down. Grand and costly building projects, such as Christiansborg Palace and Hirschholm Palace at Hørsholm, were nevertheless carried out in order to demonstrate the magnificence of the absolute monarchy. On the other hand, Rosenborg was no longer used as Royal residence.

 

 

Relations

Small weapons

Flint-lock gun, Copenhagen around 1710. The lock is engraved with the signature Friderich Osterman Copenhagen, along with a C, representing Christian VI, as they were his first weapons.

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.

Magnus Berg

Magnus Berg, painter and ivory-cutter, was born in Romsdalen in Norway. He went to Copenhagen in 1690, where he was introduced to Christian V.

Anna Sophie

Anna Sophie became Queen of Denmark in 1721. She was the daughter of the Great Chancellor Conrad Reventlow, and was married to Frederik IV. Anna Sophie met the King at a masked ball in 1711 and fell in love with him.

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.

Sophie Hedevig

Princess Sophie Hedevig was the daughter of Christian V and Charlotte Amalie. She was the sister of Frederik IV.

Sophie Magdalene

Sophie Magdalene became Queen of Denmark in 1730. She was the daughter of Margrave Christian Heinrich of Brandenburg-Kulmbach. In 1721 she was married to Prince Christian (VI). She was the mother of Frederik V.

Louise

Louise became Queen of Denmark in 1699. She was the daughter of Gustavus Adolf of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. In 1695 she was married to Crown Prince Frederik (IV) and together they had the son Christian (VI).