Description:
Print titled "FRIDERICUS LL. REX PRUSSIA BR." with "I. F. Wenzel pict: Reg. pinxit" and "E. Desrochers Sculpsit Parisus" in the lower corners. The oval portrait bust is of King Frederick II of Prussia, or Frederick the Great (1712-1786), dressed in armor, who reigned from 1740-1786. The Seven Years War (1756-1763), which was known as the French and Indian War in the colonies, started when Austria, France, Sweden, and Saxony attacked Prussia in an attempt to destroy Frederick the Great's power. England allied herself with Prussia and won significant victories in India and Canada, thus laying the groundwork for the "British Empire." Frederick the Great became a very popular figure in England and the colonies, and was the subject of many commemorative prints, such as this example, and used as decoration on delft, salt-glazed stoneware and creamware ceramics. For example, there are a number of delft punch bowls with the inscription "Success to the King of Prussia." He has a shoulder-length wig and small mustache, and wears a fur-trimmed robe with embroidered crowns and royal chain over the royal shield. A "Cut of the King of Prussia was listed in the estate inventory of Esther Williams (1726-1800), widow of Dr. Thomas Williams (1718-1775) of Deerfield.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+77.009 |
