Frederick II of Prussia, known as ‘the Great’ was a renowned military leader and patron of the arts. He was related to British Royal Family through his mother, Sophia Dorothea, the only daughter of George I and was a first cousin to Frederick, Prince of Wales. His grandmother, Sophia Charlotte, was George I’s sister.

In 1748 Frederick sent a portrait of himself by Antoine Pesne to his cousin, the Prince of Wales (RCIN 406797). This one was acquired by George IV when Prince Regent along with a portrait of the sitter's younger brother, Heinrich of Prussia (RCIN 401348); George IV ordered a pair of 'rich carved frames in oil gold' for them for 11 guineas in January 1812.

Frederick stands, at three-quarter length, in profile to the left, his right arm extended gesturing to a distant battle; wearing a dark blue military coat with a silver sash and the Star of the Order of the Black Eagle. This is a copy after an original by Antoine Pesne, court painter to Frederick II (whereabouts unknown).