The Crown of Christian IV, King of Denmark, 1596 CE [5000×3998]

The crown is made of gold, enamel, table cut gemstones and pearls. It has a maximum diameter of 25 cm (9.8 in), measures 17.8 cm (7.0 in) tall, and weighs 2.835 kg (6.25 lb). The circlet is ornamented with six sets of table cut diamonds between two large round pearls with enameled putti on either side. Between each of these sets are star-like ornaments of triangular and square table cut diamonds. On the upper rim of the circlet are six large and six small arabesque-like points. At the center of each of the larger points is an enameled allegorical figure of one of the king’s ruling functions and virtues. The three points above the king’s forehead and behind each of his ears bears a “pelican in her piety.” The point on the right of the king’s forehead bears a representation of Fortitude riding a lion, while that on the left bears the image of Justice as a woman holding a sword and a pair of scales. The point above the back of the king’s neck bears the traditional image of Charity as a mother suckling her child. The six smaller points each bears a star-like design in triangular and square table diamonds with a large pear shaped pearl at its top.

On the inside these points were decorated with the coats of arms of various regions of the realm, featuring the Three Lions of Denmark (supported by two putti), Standing Lion of Norway, Lion of the Goths, Three Crowns of the Kalmar Union, Lindworm of the Vends, Lamb of Gotland, Stockfish of Iceland, Two Lions of Schleswig, Nettle Leaf of Holstein, Swan of Stormarn, Knight of Holstein, Bars of Oldenburg, Cross of Delmenhorst and Eagle of Ösel. Following Denmark’s territorial losses in 1645, a result of the Peace of Brömsebro, some of these coats of arms were removed.

By the time the crown was made, open crowns had already fallen out of fashion at European courts. The decision to nonetheless make an open crown may have relied on a wish to stress the historical links with the three open crowns of the Kalmar Union.