Artwork
Udsigt fra Rundetårn over København til Frederiksberg Slot

Udsigt fra Rundetårn over København til Frederiksberg Slot is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
The drawing entitled *Udsigt fra Rundetårn over København til Frederiksberg Slot* presents a panoramic view of Copenhagen as seen from the historic Round Tower. Executed around 1832, the work captures the city’s skyline, extending from the foreground courtyard to distant rooftops, prominent towers and a central dome, likely representing notable civic or religious structures.
Subject & Meaning
The composition emphasizes the orderly arrangement of urban architecture, juxtaposing the intimate courtyard and ornamental wrought‑iron railing with the expansive cityscape beyond. The inclusion of two tall towers and a dome suggests the presence of significant public buildings, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between private spaces and the broader municipal environment.
Technique & Style
Rendered in fine pen and ink, the artist attends closely to linear detail, especially the intricate patterns of the railing and the precise delineation of rooflines. The drawing balances meticulous foreground rendering with a more schematic treatment of distant structures, reflecting a 19th‑century interest in topographical accuracy combined with aesthetic composition.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1832, the work is attributed to the artist recorded as 4977_person. It entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings, offering insight into historical visual documentation of Copenhagen’s urban development.
Context
The Round Tower, a 17th‑century observatory in central Copenhagen, served as a popular viewpoint for artists documenting the city’s growth. This drawing aligns with a broader tradition of topographic sketches produced during a period of rapid urban change, providing a visual record of the city’s layout prior to later modernization.
Artist & collection



















