(Augsburg 1701-1774)
Portrait of Frederik I. von Hohenzollern as an equestrian monument, brush, grey and black ink, over red chalk, grey wash, on laid paper, 45,2 x 42,5 cm, old fixed to support, browned, somewhat stained, repaired tears and losses, mounted, unframed, (Sch)

The present drawing shows a portrait of Frederik I. von Hohenzollern in the form of an equestrian monument shortly after his coronation as Prussian King in 1701. Before his coronation he was Margrave of Brandenburg and Elector since 1668. The saddlecloth shows the Prussian one-headed eagle (with the ligated FR for “Fridericus Rex” on the eagle’ chest). Frederik is represented with a moustache which was characteristic for him. The drawing was obviously made after Frederik I. had crowned himself in Königsberg in 1701. A large number of the king’s portrait circulated throughout Europe which should reinforce Frederik’s raised political position. The present drawing was presumably executed in preparation of a mezzotint engraving. The servant at the right-hand side, who is carrying the harness, was a standardized element, which can be met frequently in portraits of rulers at this time.

We are grateful to Dr. Werner Telesko for the scientific support