Emil Hannover, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of C. W. Eckersberg no. 440, a finished sketch for no. 483.

Literature: Reproduced and mentioned in Emil Hannover, “Maleren C. W. Eckersberg”, 1898 p.154–155.

Provenance: Grocer P. B. Poulsen. Councillor and bookseller H. H. J. Lynge's collection, the estate of Lynge, april 1898 no. 40.

Eckersberg writes in his diary the 6th of April 1831 (in Danish): Began to make a sketch for a new painting. On the 16th of April he notices (in Danish): Have finished the sketch depicting Frederik the 3die (sic!) leading Sten Sture's widow and sons out of jail in Kalundborg giving them their freedom.

Eckersberg did at least paint two versions of the subject, the present one dated 1831 and another larger slightly different one dated 1833 (sold at Bruun Rasmussen auction 656, 1998 no. 222). The motif was supposed to be a decoration for Christiansborg Castle but was rejected and found instead private collectors.

The historical background for this painting is as follows: The Swedish regent Steen Sture died fighting the Danes during the conquest of Sweden by Christian II 1520. His widow Christine Gyllenstierne continued fighting and was the head of the armed forces defending Stockholm. After the capitulation of Stockholm, she was imprisoned in Kalundborg. When Christian II was dethroned, his successor Frederik I felt pity for her and released her and the two sons.

Eckersberg depicts that scene. It is not an important episode in neither the history of Denmark nor in the King's history, on the other hand it tells us about a more private side of the King. Eckersberg depicts Frederik I's humanity and magnanimity.