Christian Conrad Sophus Danneskiold-Samsøe (1836-1908)


Christian Conrad Sophus Danneskiold-Samsøe, 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 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 on 22 January 1863. She was a daughter of captain and later vice admiral and navel minister C. C. Zahrtmann and a cousin of the painter Kristian Zahrtmann. They had six children: