Ludvig Dahl's Children playing in Kongens Have Park with King Christian IV's Summer Residence Rosenborg Slot beyond, Copenhagen

Dirkinck-Holmfeld's charming painting depicts the children of Ludvig Dahl, a leading member of Copenhagen society, during a party held in one of Copenhagen's most beautiful parks, the Kongens Have, or King's Garden. Some parts of the original Renaissance garden are still intact. The Baroque eighteenth century brought several lovely lime tree-lined paths; and the nineteenth century saw the park re-landscaped according to English ideals. Dozens of stunning sculptures adorn the park including one of Hans Christian Andersen, who found inspiration for his fairytales here. The Dutch Renaissance-style palace in the background is the Rosenborg Slot which was built by King Christian IV who began construction of this magnificent castle in 1603. Possibly one of the more flamboyant summer homes ever built, the castle comes replete with moat and extensive pleasure gardens.

In 1849, when the absolute monarchy was abolished, royal palaces became state property, except for Rosenborg, which is passed down from monarch to monarch, and now houses the treasury and the crown jewels of Denmark.

This artist changed his name to van Dierking in the 1870's.