Lost in thought, Emilie Caroline Rantzau often strolled these grounds. This is Emiliekilde. It stands as a poignant reminder of love and loss. Erected in 1782, Emiliekilde commemorates Emilie Caroline. She was the first wife of Count Ernst Heinrich von Schimmelmann.
Ernst Heinrich von Schimmelmann commissioned Nicolai Abildgaard to design this memorial. Emilie died young from tuberculosis. She was only 20 years old. The grief-stricken count sought a lasting tribute to his beloved wife. They lived at the Schimmelmann Mansion in Copenhagen. They spent summers at nearby Sølyst.
Emiliekilde stands 5.7 meters tall. It is crafted from reddish granite with marble accents. A short staircase leads to the monument. An arched opening reveals a small spring. Water flows from a pipe into a basin. Above, a sandstone urn crowns the structure.
Look closely. You’ll see a white marble plaque. It bears the inscription “EMILIA’S KILDE”. Another plaque features a poem by Christen Henriksen Pram. The carved letters have faded with time. The poem speaks of Emilie’s presence. It speaks of a place she loved and of hearts filled with innocence. “Emilie. Here you once wandered,” it begins. “Hallowed is the place you favored.”
The story of Emiliekilde is etched in art history. During the Danish Golden Age, it was a popular destination. Many painters captured its image on canvas. Imagine families picnicking here. Picture artists sketching the scene. Feel the echoes of a bygone era.
Ernst Heinrich von Schimmelmann remarried in 1782. His new wife was Caroline Schimmelmann. Yet, Emilie was not forgotten. Emiliekilde remained a testament to his first love.
In 2016, Gentofte Municipality restored the monument. After years of decay, it was returned to its original glory. The restoration cost approximately 130,000 kroner. Today, Emiliekilde is a protected monument. It was listed in 1918.
Consider the layers of history. Reflect on love, loss, and remembrance. Emiliekilde invites contemplation. It is a place where the past whispers to the present. It is a reminder of a life cut short. It is a symbol of enduring love.