Statue of Frederik VII

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The converse equestrian

By Jens Toftgaard, Ph.d.-stipendiat (12 stories)

The equestrian statue of King Frederik VII at Christiansborgs Slotsplads in Copenhagen is the converse of traditional horse-mounted statuary, glorifying the figure and rule of an absolute monarch. This statue is quite different: paid for by funds raised among the citizens of Copenhagen and its environs, it was erected as a monument to the leading role of the King in Denmark's transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. The bronze statue, modelled by the sculptor H.W. Bissen and completed by his son Vilhelm, was unveiled in 1873, a decade after the King's death.

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From monarchy to democracy

Story written by Jens Toftgaard

Time / Periode 1873

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The people of Denmark held Frederik VII in great favour, and the equestrian statue, along with busts, statues and monuments in more than twenty Danish cities and towns testify to his popularity. Frederik VII was the ninth absolute monarch in succession since 1660. By the time he acceded to the throne in 1848, the old form of authoritarian rule had become highly unpopular. On 21 March 1848, 10,000 demonstrators marched on the Palace to demand a new government and constitution. The King agreed right away, and on 5 June 1849 signed the Danish Constitution to restrict the power of the monarch and introduce democracy. But Denmark did not become a democracy in the modern sense until women and the poor were given the right to vote, with the constitutional reform of 1915.