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Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve (1630-1658), son of Christian IV and Vibeke Kruse by Abraham Wuchters

Abraham Wuchters · 1645-01-01

This portrait of Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve, painted by Abraham Wuchters in 1645, holds a hidden clue to his lineage. Though presented as a nobleman, a close look at his staff reveals a more scandalous truth.

Focus on the delicate inscription found on the staff he holds. It’s a detail easily overlooked, yet it recontextualizes the entire portrait. Notice the rich red cape and the faithful dog, all elements designed to project status and legitimacy.

Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve was the illegitimate son of King Christian IV of Denmark and his mistress Vibeke Kruse. Painted during a period when artists from the Dutch Golden Age heavily influenced Danish art, Wuchters himself was a favored painter of the Danish court. This portrait captures him at 15, a young man navigating a complex royal family.

The subtle inscription transforms a standard portrait into a document of hidden identity. What other secrets might lie within the art of the past?

Details

This is Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve.
This is Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve.
His cape is made of the finest wool.
His cape is made of the finest wool.
A loyal dog rests by his boots.
A loyal dog rests by his boots.
This accessory, possibly a walking stick or symbol of authority, adds to his dignified presentation.
This accessory, possibly a walking stick or symbol of authority, adds to his dignified presentation.
Transcript

This is Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve. He is the son of King Christian IV. His cape is made of the finest wool. A loyal dog rests by his boots. Look at the inscription on his staff. It reads: 'Royal bastard, age 15'. Wuchters painted this in 1645.