Portret van Prins August Ferdinand van Pruisen 1740 - 1788

Johann Esaias Nilson created this print of Prince August Ferdinand of Prussia. Here, the prince is presented in a formal portrait, framed by ornate decorations that speak to the visual culture of 18th-century Prussia. August Ferdinand was a member of the Prussian royal family and served as a general in the Prussian army during the Seven Years' War. Nilson's print reflects the values of the Prussian court, emphasizing the importance of military service and noble lineage. The print also presents a highly romanticized vision of monarchy, one that was increasingly out of step with the social and political realities of the time. Analyzing an image like this requires a consideration of the artist’s biography as well as the political and social context in which he operated. Only with the careful investigation of primary source material can we fully understand the role of this image, not only as a historical record but as an artifact of courtly life.