Is this sand sandstone support more than just a stone? It marks the spot of a poignant goodbye. This is the Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel. It stands at the entrance to Næsseskoven forest.
The Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel tells the story of friendship and farewell. Let me tell you about J.F.H. de Drevon. He was a childhood friend of Fréderic de Coninck. De Coninck owned Næsseslottet. In 1786, Drevon was called back home to Belgium.
The Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel marks Drevon’s emotional farewell to Denmark. The monument is a large sandstone support. A marble tablet is affixed to it. The tablet features a long farewell poem in French. It praises Danish nature. It also praises the solitude here. It contrasts this with the horrors of war in Flanders his homeland.
Symbols surround the tablet. They represent war and peace. Drevon’s colonel helmet symbolizes war. The hermit’s rosary symbolizes peace. A walking stick and hat also feature. These represent his solitary wanderings.
Drevon planned the romantic garden around Næsseslottet. He also had Eremitens Grotte built. This was in Eremitagen east of the park in what is now Piils Skov. Today, the Grotte is just an earthen mound. However some stone remains can still be seen.
Originally, the Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel stood by the Grotte. It was moved to its current location before 1910. The Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel now stands at Carolineberg. This is at the entrance to Næsseskoven.
Johannes Wiedewelt created the Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel. It was originally erected in Piils Skov around 1786. The base measures 47x71x167 cm. The pillar measures 296x27x121 cm. The materials used are marble sandstone and granite.
Drevon’s story is more than just a historical footnote. It reflects a longing for peace and friendship. The monument is a reminder of the bonds that connect us. It also speaks to the pain of parting.
The Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel also represents the popular landscape garden design. Fréderic de Coninck hired his friend Jean Fréderic Henry de Drevon to build the romantic gardens around his home. This was one of the first gardens of its kind in Denmark. The garden included classical monuments and exotic trees. It also had picturesque views.
As part of the garden Drevon built Eremitens Grotte from 1782-86. It also consisted of a log cabin a garden and an open grave. Drevon built a simple three room cabin where he could rest. Visitors could write down their thoughts in a book. There was also a small kitchen garden.
A spring was built for water. The Eremitens Grotte was built over the spring. Visitors could drink from a tin cup chained to the bars. They could enjoy the cool clear spring water. Benches were available. These allowed people to sit and enjoy the coolness. The top of the cave was covered in blackberries. This gave it an old look.
Across from the cave was an open grave. Drevon was preparing for his own death. The inscription said that Drevon had withdrawn from the false glamour of court. He sought friendship with de Coninck and peace. Drevon did not die in Denmark. He was called back to Belgium.
The Mindesmærke Eremitens Farvel is a moving tribute. It marks friendship loss and the beauty of Denmark. Take a moment to reflect on Drevon’s farewell. Consider the ties that bind us to people and places.