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  • Jørgen Hein

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/nm.3529

Sammendrag

Status versus Learning? Schatzkammer or Kunstkammer?

In the 1660s Danish absolutism built up a treasure collection at Rosenborg Castle and a Kunstkammer opposite Copenhagen Castle. both of which contained applied art. It is the aim of this paper to trace this overlapping and to show that around 1690 principles were established for a division of objects that resulted in the two institutions becoming mutually supplementary. In other words the subject is royal heritage and royal collecting 1520–1920.

A comparison calls for definitions. A ’treasure collection’ refers to an accumulation of valuable objects that is arranged with pomp and splendour. Three characteristics should be highlighted: the Prince or his official has the key to the collection, the objects are partially entailed as inalienable property, and viewing requires the permission of the sovereign. A ’Kunstkammer’ in this context means a collection of objects that are classified and displayed according to distinct principles which reflect human knowledge and theories about the surrounding world. Consequently the treasury represents and can provide, in time of emergency, a capital reserve, whereas the fundamental concept of the Kunstkammer is the structuring and imparting of knowledge as expressed in the publication of catalogues. 

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