The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgMagnus Berg

Magnus Berg

Magnus Berg, painter and ivory-cutter, was presumably born in Sel i Gudbrandsdalen in Norway. He went to Copenhagen in 1690, where he was introduced to Christian V. The King paid for Berg’s education as a painter and for his stay in Paris and Rome from 1694 to 1698. When he returned to Denmark in 1699, Berg was given living quarters at Frederiksborg Palace and an annual salary from the King.

As a painter, Berg was not outstandingly talented, but as an ivory-cutter he won European fame. His ivory works are mainly small reliefs. Technically, his works span a broad range. In the foreground of the reliefs the carvings are usually almost three-dimensional, while the backgrounds consist of reliefcuttings that are often wafer thin.

Christian VI bought ivory works from Berg on several occasions. The main part of his works are, therefore, in Rosenborg. Among them is a relief to the glorification of Frederik IV, which is considered a principal work.

 

Relations

The Water

‘The Water’, centrepiece of ivory, gilt bronze, silver, and glass.

1725-1750

The conclusion of the Great Nordic War in 1720 was the beginning of a long Danish period of peace. Christian VI succeeded Frederik IV in 1730, and his was the first reign during which Denmark was not at war.

Christian V

Christian V was the King of Denmark-Norway from 1670; son of Frederik III and Sophie Amalie of Brunswick-Lüneburg. He was married to Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel in 1667. He was the father of Frederik 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).

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.

Magnus Berg, 1718

The ivory carver Magnus Berg; portrait by Balthasar Denner, 1718-1719.

Cup of birch-wood

Cup of birch-wood, with Christian V’s monogram. Made by Magnus Berg, 1690.

6: Christian V's Hall

This was originally the living room of Christian IV's morganatic (left-hand) wife, Kirsten Munk. During the reign of Frederik III, it became a part of the King's suite as an antechamber to the Marble Room.