Frederick II, King of Prussia (1712-86) is depicted here on horseback, in the uniform of the Prussian Life Guards and wearing the star of the Order of the Black Eagle. A tree in a landscape forms the background.

Frederick was the son of Frederick I, King of Prussia, whom he succeeded as Frederick II in 1740. On his accession he embarked on a campaign to win the prosperous Austrian province of Silesia during the Silesian Wars (1740-45). He achieved military acclaim for himself and Prussia and is best known for his brilliance in military campaigning and his organisation and reform of the Prussian army. He also encouraged industry, agriculture and judicial reform, and was a cultured aesthete who loved music, architecture and philosophy, even corresponding at length with Voltaire.

The miniature is copied directly from a picture, Die Wachtparade (The Review of Troops), painted by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki in Berlin in 1773 and known through many variants and engravings. It shows Frederick reviewing the Prussian Guards. Lead toy soldiers were also made, based on the image.

There is a paper label on the reverse, inscribed by Queen Mary in ink: King Frederick II of Prussia, and the number 18.