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Frederick VII

Frederick VII is an equestrian statue in front of Christiansborg on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was modelled by Herman Wilhelm Bissen and completed after his death by his son Vilhelm Bissen in 1873. The monument commemorates King Frederick VII’s central role in Denmark’s transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. It was created on the initiative of a committee chaired by Carl Ploug and financed by the Danish state, the City of Copenhagen, and private donations. Cast by Parisian bronze casters at Vilhelm Bissen’s workshop at Carlsberg, it was unveiled on 6 October 1873 and survived the fire of the second Christiansborg Palace in 1884.

Frederick VII equestrian statue on a tall stone pedestal in a city square.
The equestrian monument to Frederick VII stands in a paved square surrounded by historic buildings.
September 2007 © · CC BY-SA 2.0 de
Frederick VII equestrian statue on a tall stone pedestal in front of a large grey stone building.
The equestrian statue of King Frederick VII stands prominently before a grand stone building.
February 2015 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frederick VII’s equestrian statue stands on a tall pedestal in a crowded city square surrounded by European-style buildings.
Frederick VII’s equestrian statue is shown in a busy city square packed with onlookers.
March 1873 © Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
Frederick VII equestrian monument on a stone pedestal in front of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
The Frederick VII equestrian monument stands in a public square before Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
© · CC BY-SA 2.0
The equestrian statue of Christian V stands on a stone pedestal against a clear sky.
The equestrian statue of Christian V at Kongens Nytorv, shown in a black-and-white photograph.
1934 © Willem van de Poll · CC0

Identification

TitleEquestrian statue of Frederick VII
Typeequestrian statue
SubjectFrederick VII of Denmark

Historical context

Historical contextCreated to commemorate Frederick VII's role in Denmark's transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy
Relevant political eventOn 21 March 1848, 10,000 people gathered in front of Christiansborg Palace demanding a new government and democratic reforms; the king immediately agreed
Relevant constitutional eventThe Danish Constitution was signed on 5 June 1849
Historical contextFrederick VII ascended the Danish throne in 1848 after his father's death and became Denmark's ninth absolute monarch since 1660

Creator

Designer / modelerHerman Wilhelm Bissen
Completed byVilhelm Bissen
Completion statusCompleted posthumously by Vilhelm Bissen
CastingCast by Parisian bronze founders in Vilhelm Bissen's workshop at Carlsberg

Discovery and provenance

Unveiling date6 October 1873
FundingContributions from the Danish state, the City of Copenhagen, and private donations
Commissioned byA committee chaired by Carl Ploug

Physical characteristics

PoseShown on horseback
ClothingWearing a long coat

Materials

Base materialGranite
Base decorationBronze plaques on all sides
Front plaque decorationGilded oak wreath

Appearance

Front plaque inscription"5/IUNI/1849" in gilt letters
Left plaque inscription"FOLKETS KIÆRLIGHED/MIN STYRKE" (The people's love, my strength), Frederik VII's motto
Right plaque inscription"FREDERIK D: SYVENDE/GRUNDLOVENS GIVER." (Frederik the Seventh, granter of the constitution)
Rear plaque inscription"FØDT 1808./KONGE 1848./DØD 1863." (Born 1808, King 1848, died 1863)

Iconography and meaning

Meaning of front inscriptionRefers to 5 June 1849
Meaning of right inscriptionIdentifies Frederik VII as the giver of the constitution

Location and ownership

LocationIn front of Christiansborg on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, Denmark

History and restoration

Survival historySurvived the fire of the second Christiansborg Palace in 1894