-
1 of 253523 objects
Joseph Friedrich August Darbes (1747-1810)
Frederick William III, King of Prussia (1770-1840), when Crown Prince of Prussia 1793-97
Oil on canvas | 44.2 x 37.2 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404175
-
Darbes was born in Hamburg, the son of the operatic composer, Francesco D'Arbes; he studied in Copenhagen with Cark Gustaf Pilo and by 1785 was working as a portrait painter for the Court in Berlin.
Frederick William III's reign (1797-1840) was dominated by his ineffective struggle against and uneasy alliance with Napoleon. This portrait dates from a happier time, when in 1793 the Crown Prince married Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1776-1810), universally admired for her intelligence, beauty and courage.
The young Prince is here presented head and shoulders, wearing a deep blue military uniform with wide red facings and high collar; Star of the Order of the Black Eagle.Provenance
First recorded hanging in Lancaster Tower at Windsor Castle in 1878
-
Creator(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
44.2 x 37.2 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
65.5 x 58.8 x 6.1 cm (frame, external)
Alternative title(s)
Friedrich Wilhelm III, King of Prussia (1770-1840)
Frederick William II, King of Prussia (1744-1797) when Crown Prince of Prussia, previously identified as
Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia (1744-1797) when Crown Prince of Prussia, previously identified as
