Temple of Happiness

Allegorical representation, assumed to be after the poet Johannes Ewald's "Temple of Happiness", previously illustrated by Abildgaard. The fireplace screen was made for the courtier Johan Bülow of Sanderumgård, from whose anteroom at Christiansborg Castle it was saved from the fire in 1794. It was then moved to King Christian VIII's audience room. The work's interpretation is a topic of debate. A group of people of different backgrounds are seen leaving the Temple of Happiness ("Templum Fortunae") - some in less fortunate ways; e.g. falling or in chains. A painted Medusa head can be seen on the top section. Portraits of Ewald and Bülow can be found in rooms 50 and 52, respectively (inv. nos. A 684 and R 104)