Friedrich der Grosse, König von Preussen 1808

Meno Haas produced this print of Friedrich the Great, King of Prussia, sometime between 1752 and 1833. In it, Friedrich is presented as a military leader and a man of the people. Set against a backdrop of lush foliage and classical architecture, the king’s image draws heavily on established visual codes of power. Prints like this one were common in 18th and 19th century Europe, where the proliferation of printmaking allowed for images to be widely distributed and consumed. The print served both a documentary purpose and a social function. Institutions like the Prussian monarchy understood the power of imagery to legitimize political power. Prints played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of national identity. Understanding this print involves delving into the social and institutional context of Prussia during Friedrich's reign. Research into the political climate, the prevailing artistic tastes, and the systems of patronage can all shed light on the print’s creation and reception.