The Royal Danish CollectionAmalienborgThe kingsChristian VIII

Christian VIII

Christian VIII was the King of Denmark from 1839. His mother was Sophie Frederikke, wife of Christian VII’s brother Prince Frederik, the Heir Presumptive. It is widely believed that his father was the Heir Presumptive’s aide-de-camp. Christian was married to Charlotte Frederikke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1806; they had a son, Frederik (VII). The marriage was dissolved in 1810 and in 1815 he married Caroline Amalie of Augustenborg.

For a few months in 1814 he was King of Norway under the name Christian Frederik. In Norway he gave a new constitution. He abdicated when Norway transferred to Swedish supremacy. As King of Denmark he reigned during a time of upheaval when absolute monarchy came under pressure. He carried through extensive reforms but refused to introduce a new constitution.

Christian VIII had a thorough education, for example in history and literature. He was highly interested in culture and science, and during his reign the Court had an important place in the cultural life of Copenhagen. On journeys abroad he bought items from ancient Greece, which today constitute the core of the Classical collection in the National Museum.

 

 

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Bertel Thorvaldsen

Bertel Thorvaldsen is one of the most famous sculptors in Denmark. His work was clearly inspired by classiscal Greece and Rome.

Busts of Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik and Princess Caroline Amalie

Bronze busts of Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik and Princess Caroline Amalie. crafted by Bertel Thorvaldsen, 1821.

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.

Coronation robe

Coronation robe of red silk velvet, embroidered in golden thread with 1400 royal crowns and lined with white rabbit fur. The edge of the upper side is made from ermine. Christian V wore this robe at his coronation in 1671.

The Ampulla

The Ampulla of gold with enamel and table-cut stones. Made for the coronation of Frederik III in 1648 by an unknown goldsmith in Copenhagen. Used at anointings during the period of Absolutism.

Caroline Amalie, 1879

Queen Caroline Amalie, painted by H.C. Jensen, 1879.

Christian VIII, 1881

Christian VIII at his desk in his study at Amalienborg. Drawing by Chr. Hetsch, 1881.

Mantelpiece clock

Mantelpiece clock with bronze statuette of Christian VIII. Made by A. & W. Jacobsen.