The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgSophie Magdalene

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.

The Royal Couple’s life together was harmonious but Sophie Magdalene was unpopular. She was accused of creating a certain closedness around the Court and the Royal Family. Her background in a religious environment, marked by Pietism, was a strong influence on the introduction of the subdued life at the Court. Later she was criticized for never having discarded of her Germanness, even though German culture and language were dominant at the Court before her time.

Sophie Magdalene was behind the making of a new Queen’s Crown, when she refused to wear the same one that the hated Queen Anna Sophie had worn. She established the collection of Crown Jewels when she bequeathed a large part of her jewellery for that purpose. She had the Palace of Hirschholm built, where she lived after being widowed in 1746.

For further information on the crown jewels, please visit the website of the Danish Monarchy

Relations

Sophie Magdalene, 1733

Queen Sophie Magdalene. Painted by J.S. du Wahl.

Christian VI and family

Christian VI with his family; Sophie Magdalene, Crown prince Frederik (IV) and Princess Louise.

Lathe

Queen Sophie Magdalene’s lathe designed by Diderich de Thurah, 1735-36. Turning had traditionally been a men’s hobby. In the 18th century royal women and children also learned the art, probably encouraged by the artist Lorenz Spengler who was brought to court in 1743. The lathe symbolizes Sophie Magdalene’s belief that royal dignity demanded magnificience in both great and small matters.

I The Treasury

In the last section of the Treasury many of Rosenborg's main attractions are on display, especially the Crown Jewels, the Crown Regalia, the Crown of the Absolutist Kings and the Queens' Crown.

21 The Knights' Hall

The hall, which was the last room to be furnished, was completed in 1624. It was originally intended and used as a ballroom.

12 Christian VI's Room

This room was originally the bedchamber of Frederik IV's sister, Sophie Hedevig.

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.

1750-1775

The long peaceful period continued into the second half of the 18th century, and in time the economy also blossomed. The great powers of Europe were at war during long periods and trade found new ways to the benefit of neutral Denmark.