Adolf, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, Declines the Offer to Accede to the Danish Throne. Copy after C. W. Eckersberg

The ageing Duke Adolf was offered the Danish throne, but refused due to his age, referring instead to his nephew, count Christian of Oldenburg, who was crowned King Christian I shortly afterwards. When the painting was donated to the museum in 2012 it was believed to be one of Eckersberg’s studies for his history paintings for Christiansborg Palace. However, doubts arose, and the museum carried out infrared camera studies. They revealed some very hesitant underdrawing beneath the paint, a trait often found in copies. This painting is not Eckersberg’s sketch, but a copy by Rørbye. The painting does not, then, showcase Eckersberg’s methods and artistic deliberations, but rather how a skilled student sought to appropriate his teacher’s manner and ways of structuring subject matter. It also reflects Eckersberg’s endeavours as royal history painter.