The Treasure Collection at Rosenborg Castle: The Inventories of 1696 and 1718

Hein, Jørgen

ISBN 10: 8763501317 ISBN 13: 9788763501316

Publisher: Museum Tusculanum Press, 2009

Synopsis

 Rosenborg Castle houses one of the finest treasure collections in Europe. The castle, which was built as a summer residence in Copenhagen, Denmark, by Christian IV of Denmark-Norway in the period 1606–1634, contains, among other things, the coronation regalia, jewelry, weapons, and objects of rock crystal, hardstones, ivory, and narwhal tusk. With Rosenborg’s two oldest inventories from 1696 and 1718 as the point of departure, the present work charts the making of the treasure collection and its contents and offers a unique insight into the items of the collection in words and images. The Treasure Collection at Rosenborg Castle is the result of years of laborious research. The author, Jørgen Hein, combines his immense knowledge about the items and the historical facts of the treasure collection with a vivid and engrossing narrative, and with its three exclusive volumes the work offers a fascinating foray into the world of pomp and circumstance that surrounded the Danish-Norwegian kings in the period between 1500 and 1900.

About this title

About the Author:

Jørgen Hein is Senior Curator at the Royal Danish Collection at Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace. Amongst many things responsible for the reconstruction of the Green Cabinet, the collection of precious objects as well as the amber and ivory gallery at Rosenborg Castle. Editor and author of some 100 catalogues and articles on jewellery and applied art in the Royal Danish collections.

Review:

“On the whole this impressive 850 page catalogue sets a new standard not only in documenting the wealth of the Danish-Norwegian royal collection but also by describing the kings’ international relationships by cross-referencing to comparative works elsewhere in Europe, often in collections formed by the Oldenborgs’ extended family. It presents a richly illustrated account of local and international history, artistic virtuosity and talent, and perceptive collecting, not only providing an indispensable source for the scholars and connoisseurs of fine and decorative arts, sculpture and arms and armour, but also giving an insight into early modem European aristocratic life and pastimes. It is to be hoped that this example will be followed by the custodians of related collections, particularly in Germany, and that at Rosenborg, the author of this magnum opus will publish later eighteenth-century additions, as found in the 1781 inventory, and possibly the royal collection’s Kunstkammer objects, in a similarly informative, well-illustrated and accessible manner.” (Florian Knothe Burlington Magazine 2012-04-30)

“This large book could be described as a treasure hunt. ... [Jørgen Hein’s] monumental study, following on from the research of Mogens Bencard and his predecessors, is an extraordinarily well-documented analysis of the early modern royal values and attitudes. It is also beautifully illustrated, not only with details of the objects but with a rich range of portraits, architectural drawings, nineteenth century photographs and plans.” (Philippa Glanville Apollo 2012-04-30)

About this edition

• Publisher: Museum Tusculanum Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 8763501317
• ISBN 13: 9788763501316
• Binding: Product Bundle
• Number of pages: 846