Hans Joachim von Zieten slapend aan de tafel van Frederik de Grote 1800

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, "Hans Joachim von Zieten sleeping at the table of Frederick the Great" that is now held in the Rijksmuseum, but the exact date of its creation is unknown. Chodowiecki lived during the Enlightenment, a period marked by intellectual and social upheaval, which questioned traditional social hierarchies. This engraving depicts a moment of informal camaraderie between Frederick the Great and his general, Hans Joachim von Zieten. It offers a glimpse into the dynamics of power and social status during this period. The depiction of Zieten asleep at the table humanizes these figures, revealing the personal relationships behind the facade of leadership. Here we see an alternative narrative of powerful figures who are presented without their full regalia or rigid social expectations. Chodowiecki allows the viewer to witness an intimate scene. This print reflects the societal values and the changing perceptions of leadership during the Enlightenment. It explores themes of power, intimacy, and human connection.