Artwork

Fredrik V, 1723-66, konung av Danmark och Norge

Fredrik V, 1723-66, konung av Danmark och Norge, by Unknown, oil
Fredrik V, 1723-66, konung av Danmark och Norge, by Unknown, oil

Fredrik V, 1723-66, konung av Danmark och Norge is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum. The oil painting portrays Frederick V, who reigned as king of Denmark and Norway from 1746 to 1766.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting portrays Frederick V, who reigned as king of Denmark and Norway from 1746 to 1766. Rendered in a restrained palette, the monarch stands before a red‑draped table, his posture conveying authority. The work measures the likeness of a ruler in the mid‑18th century, emphasizing his status through dress and compositional balance.

Subject & Meaning

Frederick V is shown in contemporary court attire, his white coat trimmed with red and fastened with gold buttons, signifying royal wealth and power. The white wig and crisp shirt convey the fashion of the era, while the red cloth on the table provides a visual counterpoint, highlighting the sovereign’s prominence within the composition.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the artist employs fine brushwork to render the texture of fabric, the sheen of metal buttons, and the subtle play of light on the subject’s face. The muted background and controlled colour scheme reflect the restrained elegance typical of Northern European portraiture in the early Enlightenment period.

History & Provenance

Created between 1723 and 1766, the portrait likely served a dynastic purpose, reinforcing the king’s image within the royal household and abroad. The painting has remained within institutional collections, documented in museum inventories as a representation of the Danish‑Norwegian monarchy of the 18th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Nationalmuseum

Museum

Nationalmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Nationalmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.