Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve (1630-1658), son of Christian IV and Vibeke Kruse 1645

Abraham Wuchters painted this full-length portrait of Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve, the son of King Christian IV, sometime in the mid-17th century. The image offers insight into the social and political complexities of the Danish court during that era. Ulrik is depicted in opulent attire, his pose conveying both authority and a degree of nonchalance. The inclusion of the dog, a symbol of loyalty and status, further emphasizes his noble standing. The landscape in the background alludes to the family's connection to the land and their dynastic power. Painted during a time of shifting power dynamics in Europe, this portrait serves as a statement of royal legitimacy. To fully understand the artwork, we can look into the history of the Danish monarchy and the role of illegitimate children in succession disputes. Investigating the patronage of the arts in Denmark at this time could further illuminate the portrait’s intended audience and purpose. Ultimately, art history provides a means of understanding the social conditions that shaped artistic production in the past.