Forarbejde til stikket: Frederik d. Store rider hjem efter en revy ved Potsdam 1788

J.F. Clemens made this drawing, Forarbejde til stikket: Frederik d. Store rider hjem efter en revy ved Potsdam, using pen and brown ink. Although undated, it depicts Frederick the Great returning from a military review, likely dating the work to the late 18th or early 19th century in Prussia. The image presents a procession of military figures, emphasizing order and hierarchy through their uniforms and positioning. The work's cultural context is rooted in the militaristic culture of Prussia under Frederick the Great, who transformed the Prussian army into a symbol of national power. Clemens' drawing reflects the reverence for military leadership and the importance of the army in Prussian society. As a preparatory sketch for a print, the drawing also points to the role of art in disseminating political imagery and reinforcing national identity. Art historians contextualize works like this by researching the social and political conditions of Prussia under Frederick the Great, analyzing military history and understanding the role of print culture in shaping public opinion. Ultimately, art offers a window into the values and power dynamics of a society.