Carl Jordan (b. Ballenstedt 1826, d. s.p. 1907)
Portrait of Duchess Friederike of Anhalt-Bernburg (1811–1902), née Princess of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, standing pose in panelled interior wearing light veil and dark dress with laces, with pearl necklace and other jewelry, holding a rose and fan, one hand resting on an ermine cloak. Signed and dated Carl Jordan 1891. Oil on canvas. 125×80 cm. Incl. frame 160×115 cm.
Princess Friedrike was born at Gottorp Castle as the daughter of Duke Wilhelm and Duchess Louise of Glücksburg. She was thus the sister of, among others, King Christian IX of Denmark as well as Duke Carl of Glücksburg and Duke Friedrich of Glücksburg. In 1834 Princess Friederike married Duke Alexander Carl of Anhalt-Bernburg (1805–1863) and they moved into Ballenstedt Castle.
Duchess Friederike knew, that the Duke's condition was weakened and thus she ruled Anhalt-Bernburg until his death in 1863. She remained living in Ballenstedt and was a strong connection point for the Glücksburg family. For example, her sister, Princess Marie of Glücksburg, also lived in Ballenstedt with her husband, Colonel Friedrich von Lasperg. Her mother, Duchess Louise of Glücksburg, became widow in 1831. She took care of the children and among others, the son Prince Christian, was educated in Copenhagen under the care and custody of her sister and brother-in-law, Queen Marie and King Frederik VI of Denmark. Prince Christian was pronounced Danish King in 1863. Duchess Louise of Glücksburg moved to Ballenstedt in 1850 and died here in 1867.
The portrait must have been painted in connection with the Duchess's 80th birthday in 1891. At the Museum Schloss Bernburg is an identical portrait by Carl Jordan (size unknown) and dated 1896. It is mentioned that the portrait was painted in connection with the Duchess's 75th birthday. Based on the dating, the painting in Bernburg must be a repetition of the present portrait and, due to the year of birth 1811, cannot have been painted in connection with the 75th birthday.
Provenance: ”The Historical Collection of Four Princesses From the Cavalier House of Glücksburg Castle”. The cultural heritage after the sisters, Her Highness Princess Elisabeth of Ysenburg and Büdingen, née Princess of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (1945–2024), Her Highness Princess Irene of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (b. 1946), Her Highness Princess Margaretha of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (b. 1948), and Her Highness Princess Sibylla Ursula of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (b. 1955). Online auction no. 2545 at Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers in Lyngby, 3 November, 2025.
Five minor holes below in the dress. Two surface scratches. Minimal peeling (mostly along the frame edges). Areas with smaller crackles.
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.
16 bids
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