Description:
English black and white copper plate engraving, titled "The King of Prussia" and made by "Ant. Walker Sculps", in a modern frame. The man on horseback is King Frederick II of Prussia, or Frederick the Great (1712-1786), 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 is depicted wearing a tri-cornered hats, sash and coat, and sitting on an elaborately saddled, rearing horse. 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. Anthony Walker (1726–1765) was an English printmaker and artist. Many of his works can be seen at the Tate Gallery in London. He was also a renowned draftsman. Walker served an apprenticeship to John Tinney, who produced topographical plates. Much of his early signed work was engravings after his own drawings for the book trade. Later, he became a sought-after engraver of large single-issue prints, including five after Old Master paintings for John Boydell. Walker also produced illustrations for instructional books, such as The Complete Drawing Book (London, 1757).
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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/test/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+77.010 |
