The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects13 The RoseFrederik V and Louise

Frederik V and Louise

Double portrait of Frederik V and Queen Louise, painted on ivory by unknown artist.

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Lehmann’s Large Musical Cabinet

The four metre high musical cabinet is not simply the most impressive example of the craft of furniture making made in Denmark in the 18th century; it also has a built in “music machine” with a mini orchestra. Frederik V was able to impress and enchant his guests in the golden dining room at Christiansborg Palace with the cabinet’s automated trumpet, flute, and cembalo mechanism. Every half hour a bell in the cabinet chimed, after which the finest music in the form of a trumpet fanfare played; the cabinet also played a piece for flutes and cembalos every hour. There was a choice of 14 different pieces for flute, and 7 pieces for trumpet. The cabinet is evidence of extravagant spending, and the price of 6,560 rigsdaler was the equivalent of buying a small palace. Frederik V ordered the piece himself in 1755, and it was already finished two years later. At that time Denmark was a major power, and it was important to display one’s wealth and position. With the cabinet’s virtuoso craftsmanship, noble varieties of wood, lavish gilt bronze fittings, and enormous size, nobody could be in any doubt about the king’s capabilities. Guests at the palace could also let themselves be enthralled by the fact that the court followed the newest fashions; the cabinet was made in the wildest and most advanced form of rococo. Simultaneously, the cabinet exemplified the age’s interest in mechanics. It was before the industrial revolution and there was a great fascination with machines and mechanics, which is for example known from clocks of the time. Automated objects were the preserve of the few, and pure mechanical art in a fantastic guise like the large musical cabinet’s exterior was worthy of a king. The cabinet was in every way a showpiece. You can listen to recordings from the musical cabinet here.

Queen Louise

Frederik V’s Queen, Louise, born Princess of Great Britain. Painted by C.G. Pilo.

Juliane Marie, bust

Bust of Queen Juliane Marie, made at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, which was eagerly supported by the Queen.

Christian VI and family

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

Juliane Marie

Juliane Marie, 1729-96, Juliane Marie became Queen of Denmark when she married Frederik V in 1752. Her father was Duke Ferdinand Albrecht of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. She was the mother of Prince Frederik, the Heir Presumptive.

Louise

Louise became Queen of Denmark in 1746. Her father was King George II of Great Britain. In 1743 she was married to Crown Prince Frederik (V). She was the mother of Christian (VII).

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.

Frederik V

Frederik V was the King of Denmark-Norway from 1746; son of Christian VI and Sophie Magdalene of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, and father of Christian (VII).