The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborg1600-1625

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’s wishes for a war against Sweden went through against the will of the government (Rigsrådet), and the Kalmar War was fought from 1611 to 1613. The ensuing peace was to Denmark’s advantage, but it did not tip the scales of power to any large degree.

The great ambitions with regard to foreign policy also led to the founding of the Danish East Indian Company in 1616, and with the establishment of Tranquebar in India a few years later, Denmark became a colonial power. Within the borders of the Kingdom, the King’s energy led to the founding of many cities and the building of several quarters and buildings in Copenhagen; before 1625 that included Christianshavn, the Børsen and Holmens Church. In 1606-1607 the “summerhouse”, that was to be the core in the later Rosenborg Castle, was built.

The Dutch Renaissance still dominated Danish architecture, handicraft and art, but the Baroque began to make an imprint.

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The moat

The moat Rosenborg’s moat was dug in 1613, when Christian IV began the construction of his pleasure palace, which would later become Rosenborg. In the 1600s this moat ran all the way around the castle, unlike today. From the gate tower a drawbridge crossed the moat, and the pulleys for the bridge’s chains can still be seen on both sides of the gate. During the reign of Christian VII a partial filling in of the moat was begun, starting towards the north. Parts were, however, reopened in the 1980s. In the Renaissance it was fashionable to build castles or finer buildings on their own island bastion, which was probably the reason why Rosenborg’s moat was dug. The moat presumably had no function as defence, but was rather practical and aesthetic. The king could impress his guests by opening and closing the drawbridge across the water from his bedchamber, where a winch was installed for the purpose. Furthermore, Christian IV had carp put in the moat, a fish that has been popular to keep as a ‘pet’ since Roman times. Today the descendants of the first carp from Christian IV’s time live on in the moat’s water. The castle’s toilets as well as the drains of the baths all flowed to an underground canal, which led directly into the moat. In the 1780s the latrines of the Life Guards’ barracks were also directed into the moat, which resulted in a powerful stench from the water. This also led to Frederik VI’s brother-in-law, a history enthusiast, who wished to overnight at Rosenborg, feeling compelled to flee because of the violent smell. It wasn’t until the 1800s that a decision was taken to do something about the problem. The moat has also been the setting for more violent episodes in the history of The Royal Family. Christian IV’s son-in-law to be, the Steward of the Realm Frants Rantzau, fell into the water after a party and drowned in November 1632. It is said that Christian IV lay on the edge of the moat and tried to save Rantzau. The king almost fell in himself, but was saved by the castle’s head chef. The drowning resulted in Anna Katrine, who was to have married Rantzau, dying of grief.

Bracelet

Bracelet of pierced enamelled gold. Possibly a gift from Christian IV to Queen Anne Cathrine, whose initials are visible on the bracelet.

Prayerbook

Kirsten Munk's prayerbook, written by herself.

Sweetmeat bowl

Sweetmeat bowl of silver gilt with a lion as the foot. In the bowl the Danish coat-of-arms is visible. Made in Hamburg by Hinrich Lambrecht I, c. 1600.

Cup

Standing cup of agate, mounted in gold enamel with rubies and a diamond.

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.