The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgJacob van Doordt

Jacob van Doordt

The painter Jacob van Doordt originally worked in Hamburg where he got to know the traditional painting style used for princely portraits. Most of his work was executed on journeys to Brunswick, Gottorp, Denmark and England.

In 1611 van Doordt was commisioned by Christian IV to paint Queen Anne Cathrine and the eldest son of the Royal couple, Christian, the Prince Elect. The Prince had received homage as successor to the throne the same year. After the death of Anne Cathrine in 1612, van Doordt painted several portraits of Kirsten Munk. Nevertheless, the greatest recognition from the King of Denmark was a recommendation to James I, King of England.

After the journey to England in 1624, van Doordt visited Denmark several times painting portraits for Christian IV and for several Danish noble families. Jacob van Doordt mastered portraits in full-length as well as miniature, the latter especially in English style. He died during a stay in Stockholm.

 

Relations

Christian IV, 1611

Christian IV portrayed in 1611. Miniature ascribed to Jacob van Doordt. The locket was made by Paul Kurtz, possibly in 1656.

Anne Cathrine, 1612

Queen Anne Cathrine portrayed in 1612. Miniature ascribed to Jacob van Doordt. The locket of gold enamel was made at the same time.

Kirsten Munk, 1623

Portrait of Kirsten Munk. Gouache, that is, a special water colour technique. Painted by Jacob van Doordt, 1623, as a sketch for a parade portrait, which is now lost.

Prince Christian and Queen Anne Cathrine, 1611

Queen Anne Cathrine and her eldest son, Christian, the Prince Elect. Painted by Jacob van Doordt, 1611.

Christian the Prince Elect

Christian, 1603-1647, Prince Elect. Son of Christian IV and Queen Anna Cathrine. He was married in 1634 to Princess Magdalena Sibylla of Saxony.

Kirsten Munk

In 1615 Kirsten Munk became the second wife of Christian IV. She was the daughter of Ludvig Munk and Ellen Marsvin. She and the King had twelve children, of which eight survived.

1600-1625

The first decades of the 17th century was a great period for the entrepreneurial and ambitious Christian IV. An economic depression was on its way, but its full force had not yet been felt.

Christian IV

Christian IV was the King of Denmark and Norway from 1588; crowned in 1596. Son of Frederik II and Sophie of Mecklenburg.