Miniature Caricature Portrait Of Frederick II Of Prussia Gouache On Paper 18th Century

Amusing miniature in gouache on paper, representing the caricatured portrait of Frederick II of Prussia (Berlin, 1712 - Potsdam, 1786), King of Prussia from 1740 until his death, a figure of the Age of Enlightenment as it spread from France to other European powers, friend of philosophers and important "enlightened despot" alongside Catherine II of Russia. The character is easily recognizable by his aiquiline nose, his blue coat with red collar and cuffs, his gray wig with ponytail, and especially the decoration he wears on his chest in the form of an eagle with outstretched wings, and which is none other than the Order of the Black Eagle (Schwarzer Adlerorden), the highest distinction of the Kingdom of Prussia founded in 1701 by Frederick III of Brandenburg (renamed Frederick I of Prussia). A very effective and biting caricature, therefore, of this important sovereign in the 18th century, and more generally in the history of modern Europe. Mounted on a blue velvet background, in a black painted wooden frame, some accidents. Overall dimensions: 14x11.5cm Dimensions at sight: 5.5x4.5cm