Portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia, early 19th century
€ 99
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Mapmaker / artist
Unknown, German, circa 1810–1825
Technique
Engraving (stipple/lithograph style)
Sheet size
28.5 × 19 cm (11.2 × 7.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13282-19
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The print is in good condition with a strong impression. Some foxing is visible, particularly in the upper margin, consistent with age. Wide margins preserved. Paper remains stable with only light toning.
About this sheet
Portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia, circa 1810–1825
This finely executed antique print presents a distinguished profile portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm II (1744–1797), King of Prussia from 1786 until his death. The monarch is shown in left-facing profile, dressed in military uniform with a sash across his chest, emphasizing his royal and martial bearing. Beneath the image, in elegant script, is the inscription “Friedrich Wilhelm II. König von Preussen.”
Friedrich Wilhelm II, nephew and successor of Frederick the Great, played a crucial role in late 18th-century European politics. His reign was marked by Prussia’s involvement in the French Revolutionary Wars and the partitions of Poland, which expanded Prussia’s territories. Though remembered less favorably than his famous uncle, Friedrich Wilhelm II was a significant figure in shaping the balance of power in Europe during this turbulent era.
This portrait was likely published in Germany between 1810 and 1825 as part of a historical or biographical series of European rulers. The delicate stipple and tonal shading capture both the authority and refinement of the king, making the work not only a fine example of early 19th-century portrait engraving but also a piece of European royal history.
Collectors of Prussian or European royal iconography will find this portrait appealing, both for its historical resonance and its refined aesthetic. Its simplicity and elegance lend themselves well to display, either as a standalone portrait or paired with companion prints from the same series.
The print is in good condition with a strong impression. Some foxing is visible, particularly in the upper margin, consistent with age. Wide margins preserved. Paper remains stable with only light toning.
Framing tips: A classic presentation would be a dark wood or ebonized frame with an ivory or cream mount, which will emphasize the portrait’s refined line work. For a more regal display, consider a gilt frame with a double mat in cream and soft gray to echo the dignified tones of the print.
