The Royal Danish CollectionAmalienborgThe kingsFrederik IV

Frederik IV

Frederik IV was the King of Denmark-Norway from 1699; son of Christian V and Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel. Married for the first time in 1695 to Louise of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, with whom he had Christian (VI); for the second time in 1721 soon after the death of Louise, to Anna Sophie Reventlow, which created much strife within the Royal Family.

Frederik IV was inadequately educated, but he succeeded in making an impact on the government of the Kingdom. He appointed his advisors personally and held audiences at which anyone could speak to the King about wishes and grievances. With regard to foreign policy, his reign was marked by the Great Nordic War, during which Denmark twice – in 1700 and from 1709-1720 – was at war with Sweden. Frederik IV was influenced by Pietism and founded a large number of schools for commoners and initiated the missionary work of Hans Egede in Greenland.

Frederik IV was very interested in Italian architecture and gardens, and he went on two long journeys to Italy. He had the Palaces of Frederiksberg and Fredensborg erected and had several gardens and parks laid out at the Royal palaces around the country.

 

 

Relations

Double portrait

Double portrait depicting both Frederik IV and his sister Sophie Hedevig, painted on a ribbed canvas, enabling to singular portrait in one painting. Seen from the right Frederik IV appears, from the left his sister. Completed in 1692 by G.A. Bois-Clair.

Peter the Great

Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia (1672-1725). Peter the Great was in alliance with Frederik IV in the Great Nordic War. Gilt bust of lead, executed by B.C.D. Rastrelli.

Sophie Hedevig

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

Frederik IV, 1700

Frederik IV in his coronation robes. Probably painted by Bénoit le Coffre.

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie became the Queen of Denmark in 1670. She was the daughter of Landgrave William VI of Hesse-Kassel. In 1667 she was married to Christian (V); as well as other children they had Frederik (IV).

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).

Crucifix

Crucifix of gilt silver. According to tradition it was presented to Crown Prince Frederik (IV) on a journey abroad in 1692. It was given by Maria Magdalena Trenta, with whom Frederik had fallen in love.

Sophie Hedevig, ca. 1695

Princess Sophie Hedvig, Christian V’s daughter. Enamel by Josias Barbette, c. 1695.