Emil Hannover, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of C. W. Eckersberg no. 319.

C. W. Eckersberg writes about the present painting in his diary 11 February 1824:

“Afsendt Esquissen til Souverainitets Höÿtideligheden til Slotsbÿgningskomissionen med Begjæring om Forskud af 100 Specier i 4 Portioner”. (Sent the study to the highest official at the Palaces and Properties Agency with a request for an advance payment of 100 Specier in 4 portions).

Exhibited: Kunstforeningen, “Udstillingen af C. W. Eckersbergs Malerier”, 1895 no. 169.

The present painting is a study for the large painting (309×249 cm) that was commissioned for the Royal Chambers at Christiansborg Castle. In the study the Royal couple and their two sons are seen, but not the four princesses. This raised criticism (see below).

Literature: Philip Weilbach, “Maleren Eckersbergs Levned og Værker”, 1872 p. 228 under “Historiske Malerier udførte fra 1817–1846”. (Historical paintings carried out between 1817–1846).

Emil Hannover, “Maleren C. W. Eckersberg”, 1898 p. 145. The creation of the decoration is mentioned by the royal historiographer, His Excellency, Councillor Malling, he stated (in Danish): “The line of succession, which was a tribute to the royal house, was not only applicable to the male line but also to the female.” Hence the finished painting includes all the royal children, both princes and princesses.

Provenance: Landscape painter I. P. Møller, his auction 1855, later sold to xylograf Aagaard, later resold to Mrs Ingemann. Painter Christen Dalsgaard (1872).