| Trade and magnificent buildings
| | During the reign of Christian IV mercantilism was the leading economic pricipal. The state supported a number of enterprises and trade increased.
During the reign of Christian IV several magnificent buildings were constructed. They were characterized by a mixture of red bricks and sandstone framings. The style came to be called the style of Christian IV. |
Christian IV
Christian IV came to power in 1588, but because he was very young a regency governed until 1596. Then he signed his coronation charter and entered the throne the next year. This happened at a coronation ceremony, where the parliament, by touching the crown, symbolically handed over the power to the king. The kingdom that Christian IV took over was still essentially medieval and feudal. The major part of the population, perhaps 90% were still living in the country and agriculture was the economic backbone of the country.
Christian IV |
The Will to Develop
Still the time of Christian IV was marked by new creations. He saw it as his most important task to modernize and develop his kingdom, a task, which was also laid down the coronation charter from August 17th 1596.
The country was still ruled by the feudal idea that all wealth and success come from the earth and the acquiring of land, but Christian also tried to improve the state of the country in many other ways.
Trade Companies
To further this several trade companies were established, which were to tend to the trade with America and India. The first East Indian Company was founded in 1618 as a private company after Dutch model. Colonies and trade stations were established in many places and the trade with for instance Iceland and the Faeroe Islands were monopolized.
They created companies in new areas, like mining in Norway, but also the processing of raw materials, like when a fabric production was started in Copenhagen. The state supported everything actively with capital or through monopolies and privileges. However, these measures were not enough to change the society thoroughly.
The Capital
The king and thus also the state power and the administration became more resident i Copenhagen. Certainly the king at the same time extended his properties in North Zealand and he often stayed there, but he created connections to Copenhagen by building so-called King´s roads, so he could get quickly to and from the capital.
The navy and other and other armament activities played an important part in the capital. The naval dockyard was far and away the largest enterprise in the country.
Copenhagen 1587 | 
Copenhagen 1611 | 
The Expansive Copenhagen | 
Copenhagen 1674 | 
Holmen |
Copenhagen Outside the Stock Exchange | 
Copenhagen with the Stock Exchange | 
Rundetårn (The Round Tower) |
Rosenborg Castle
Another example is Rosenborg Castle, which was built in 1605-1634 with constant changes in the building plans. The castle developed into a mixture of intimate private residence and magnificent representation palace, where the king impressed his guests with clever music installations.
After the building of the castle plans are made for a systematic building of an adjoining garden layout. A sketch from the year 1649 exists, which shows a typical Renaissance layout with low, geometrical beds. In 1647 the first garden book, Horticultura Danica is published and there is information of ordered plants for the Rosenborg Garden.
Christian IV | 
Rosenborg | 
Rosenborg Garden | 
Horticultura1647 | 
Garden Work |
Grafting | 
Vine | 
The King´s Garden |
Frederiksborg Castle
He continued in his father´s steps and continued building in North Zealand, and began around 1600 a rebuilding of Frederiksborg Castle, so it had a more uniform look. The large castle was finished in 1626. If Kronborg appeared as a closed fortification, Frederiksborg Castle had a large open courtyard, where the fountain and the surrounding buildings gave a more open, more representative and modern impression.
But the castle had simultaneously lost its significance as a fortification and instead functioned as a magnificent frame for the royal power.
Like Frederik II built his summer castle near Kronborg, Christian IV built a house next to Frederiksborg Castle, which was called ”Sparepenge” and even ”The Bath”, where it was more comfortable and informal to stay.
Frederiksborg is built in Dutch renaissance with towers and spires with richly decorated house ends.
Frederiksborg Castle | 
Frederiksborg Castle | 
The Audience Gate | 
Iron Grating | 
FrdgSlot |
Renaessance Style
Frederiksborg is built in Dutch renaissance with towers and spires with richly decorated house ends.In the time of Christian IV the characteristic mixture of red bricks and decorative sandstone bands, which is seen on many of the royal and noble buildings of the time, was developed. Like Frederik II built his summer castle near Kronborg, Christian IV built a house next to Frederiksborg Castle, which was called ”Sparepenge” and even ”The Bath”, where it was more comfortable and informal to stay.
Frederiksborg Castle | 
The Summer House | 
The Trinity Church |
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