The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects11 Frederik IV's Cabinet
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11 Frederik IV’s Cabinet

ROOM 11: This room was used by Frederik IV’s sister, Princess Sophie Hedevig, as an audience chamber; none of its original furnishings have been preserved.

When the museum of Rosenborg was arranged in the form of a chronological collection in the 19th century, the first floor was furnished with royal interiors from Frederiksberg Palace and Prinsens Palæ (“the Prince’s Mansion”). With the dissolution of Absolutism both became the property of the State. The inlaid floor is from Prinsens Palæ.

Three tapestries hang on the walls. They were executed by Berent van der Eichen, an artist from the Spanish Low Countries who lived and worked in Denmark at the end of the 17th century. The motifs of the tapestries are from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Most of the exhibits date from the decades around 1700.

 Room 12 ->

Objects in this room
1100-1109
1101. Six chairs of mahogany with carved acanthus backs, seats, later, with mounted gilded leather. Acquired by Christian V for Frederiksborg Castle in the 1690s.
1102. Cabinet made by Claus Harder in 1706. The lids and drawers are decorated with love scenes painted by Hendrick Krock.
1103. Two flower pots veneered with mother-of-pearl and mounted with cameos and intaglios, gems and glass. The pots made in Gujarat in India c. 1640, the mounting added in Copenhagen c. 1750.
1104. Altar-shaped clock (similar to no. 1040) with movement and quarter-stroke and celestial globe with month- and date indicators. Case of wood with tortoiseshell, ivory, coral, semi-precious stones and silver, made by J.A. Thelott and others. Drawer containing a writing set. Made in Augsburg c.1715.
1105. “Triad” with table, guéridons and mirror of boxwood, inlaid with Chinese figures of bone and exotic wood. The motifs were taken from engravings in Athanasius Kircher’s and Arnoldus Montanus’ descriptions of China and Japan from 1667-69. Originally, the set also included a cabinet. It was bought from Conrad Geisler in Altona in 1712.
1106. Drinking horn of ivory, carved with scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, including the story of Jupiter and Io. Copenhagen c.1710? The silver foot is a later addition.
1107. Two candlesticks of silver plate with varicoloured and clear cut-glass pendants and pearls. Bought in Italy by Frederik IV in 1709.
1109. Frederik IV as an old man, painted by Balthasar Denner.
1110-1119
1110. Princess Sophie Hedevig (1677-1735), sister of Frederik IV and founder of Vemmetofte Convent. Half length, by unknown artist.
1111. Ivory reliefs by Magnus Berg.
1112. Dressing mirror with laque brillante work, decorated with glass gems and with miniatures of Frederik IV, Queen Anna Sophie and her relatives. Attributed to Christian van Bracht and Casrten Tønder c. 1720.
1113. Small painting representing Christ escorting Anna Sophie to Heaven, where Frederik IV awaits her.
1114. Hunting scene made of papier maché by Christian van Bracht.
1115. Queen Anna Sophie, painted by J.S. du Wahl?

Relations

Berent van der Eichen

Berent van der Eichen was a weaver of tapestries. He was active in Denmark at the end of the 17th century. He was probably born in the Spanish Low Countries (present day Belgium).

Bénoit le Coffre

Bènoit le Coffre was the most important painter in Denmark during the reign of Frederik IV. He was born in Copenhagen and educated in Paris. In 1700 he was appointed Painter of the Court.

Sophie Hedevig

Princess Sophie Hedevig was the daughter of Christian V and Charlotte Amalie. She was the sister of Frederik IV.

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.

1700-1725

The 18th century was initiated with yet another war between Denmark and Sweden. For Denmark the war was brief, but for Sweden it was the beginning of the Great Nordic War, which Denmark became part of again from 1709.

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.

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).