Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
Christian Conrad Sophus Danneskiold-Samsøe (29 August 1836 - 1 November 1908), normally referred to as Christian Danneskiold-Samsøe, was a Danish count, landowner and administrative leader of the Royal Danish Theatre.
Early life and education
He was born in Copenhagen as the son of Postmaster-General Sophus Danneskiold-Samsøe and Frederikke Marie Danneskiold-Samsøe née Levetzow. He completed secondary school in 1855 and became cand. polit. from the University of Copenhagen in 1861.
Career
He headed the court of crown prince Frederik (Frederik VIII) in 1869-76.
He was largely unknown by the general public when he succeeded Edvard Fallesen as head of the Royal Danish Theatre in August 1904. His appointment was met with skepticism but he soon gained recognition for his work with restoring the economy of the theatre.
Property
He owned Annerup in 1863-74, Christiansholm at Klampenborg in 1863-1900 and Nordfeld, Ålebækgård and Klosterskov in Møn from 1994.
Personal life
He married Wanda Sophie Elisabeth Candia Zahrtmann (12 August 1842 - 27 April 1916) on 22 January 1863. She was a daughter of captain and later vice admiral and navel minister C. C. Zahrtmannand a cousin of the painter Kristian Zahrtmann. They had six children:
- Christian Valdemar Danneskiold-Samsøe (16 February 1864 - 14 March 1931)
- Frederikke Sophie Elisabeth Danneskiold-Samsøe (26 June 1865 - 8 July 1949)
- Elisabeth Danneskiold-Samsøe (28 October 1866 - 1950)
- Ove Danneskiold-Samsøe (22 December 1867 - 8 April 1947=
- Viggo Danneskiold-Samsøe (29 May 1874 - 24 January 1936)
- Knud Danneskiold-Samsøe (26 June 1876 - 22 July 1957)
Honours
- Knight of the Order of Charles XIII, 28 January 1899