Portret van Friedrich II von Preussen als kroonprins before 1740

Martin Bernigeroth created this print of Friedrich II von Preussen as crown prince. Portraits of royals were essential in the 17th and 18th centuries to establish power and project an image of authority. It’s interesting to consider how gender norms affected even those in positions of power. Friedrich's soft features and elaborate attire, framed by a luxurious drape, reflect the period’s aesthetic ideals. However, these very markers of status also placed him within a rigid framework of courtly expectations and dynastic responsibility. Consider the weight of expectation on young Friedrich. He was caught between the demands of his father, Friedrich Wilhelm I, who wanted him to be a military leader, and his own interests in the arts and philosophy. In many ways, his life was a performance, shaped by political concerns and the need to maintain the image of the Prussian monarchy. How does this portrait reflect the personal journey of a young man destined to become Frederick the Great, a figure who would leave an indelible mark on European history?