Herman Wilhelm Bissen’s statue of King Frederik VI (1808-39) stands in Frederiksberg Gardens, just inside the gates at Frederiksberg Runddel (circus), to welcome visitors to the gardens. The natural and forthright monarch, who as crown prince had governed on behalf of his sick father since 1784, is portrayed in his military coat, simply and with no form of pomp or circumstance.
The idea of the monument was conceived immediately after the king’s death. It was only natural for the monument to be sited in Frederiksberg Have as the king had a special relationship with Frederiksberg Palace and the gardens, where he liked to walk among his subjects. The idea was not realised, however, until 1855. The task was assigned to H.W. Bissen, who was able to announce just two years later that the statue had been cast in bronze. The pedestal of Norwegian granite has following simple inscription elaborated by the philologist N.J. Madvig: “Here he felt happy in the midst of loyal people”. The cast iron railings were completed another year later, and the monument was inaugurated in September 1858.
The statue is considered to be one of H.W. Bissen’s most outstanding works and has long been a landmark in the Municipality of Frederiksberg.
Last updated:: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
