JENS JUEL (Balslev 1745-Copenhagen 1802) PORTRAIT OF A KNIGHT OF THE ORDER OF DANNEBROG Canvas Old restorations Portrait of a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog, canvas, with restorations 61,5 x 48 CM - 24,2 x 18,8 IN. The order worn by our model is the Order of Dannebrog (Danish order). The founder of the order, Christian V (1646 - 1699), claimed that he was restoring an order that Valdemar II the Victorious had founded in 1219. This claim was reflected in the cross shape of the badge, the word "Restitutor" ("RE", "STI", "TU", "TOR") on the arms of the cross, and the monogram of Christian V on the breast star. The cross is embroidered in gold and silver cannetille, with red borders in the colours of the Danish flag. Under the reign of Christian V, the Order of Dannebrog was very exclusive. It had only the King as Grand Master and 50 knights chosen from among the nobility. Under the reign of Frederick VI, the Order of Dannebrog was reformed, divided into several grades, in order to widen the circle of people eligible to receive it.