Prince Heinrich of Prussia (1726-1802) was the younger brother to Frederick the Great of Prussia. Admired as a distinguished military leader, he served as a general and statesman, leading Prussian armies in the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years’ War, having never lost a battle in the latter. The sitter turns to the viewer, in a dynamic pose, whilst pointing to battle in the distance; he is wearing a dark blue military coat with cuirass and the ribbon of the Order of the Black Eagle; helmet and mantle.

The picture is possibly a variation of the portrait of the Prince by Antoine Pesne in the Schloss Oranienburg, 1745, in which the sitter points with his left hand. This and a portrait of Frederick the Great (RCIN 401349) were acquired by George IV, when Prince Regent; he ordered a pair of 'rich carved frames in oil gold' for them in January 1812.