Frederick William II (1744-97) succeeded his uncle, Frederick II (Frederick the Great) as King of Prussia in 1786. Here he is wearing the uniform of the 18th Royal Prussian Infantry Regiment with the orange ribbon and star of the Order of the Back Eagle. Under his rule Prussia expanded its territories, and cultural activities – painting, architecture and theatre – flourished. Both Mozart and Beethoven dedicated works to Frederick.

The miniature is based on a portrait by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, painted shortly before Frederick became king. The identity of the artist is unknown.