Portret van Frederik Willem IV, koning van Pruisen 1805 - 1850

This is Ludwig Meyer's portrait of Frederick William IV, King of Prussia, made with etching. Meyer captures the King in his royal regalia. He is adorned with a sash, medals, and heavily embellished shoulders, all visual cues of power and prestige. Meyer, who lived through the tumultuous years of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, was acutely aware of how images of power could shape public perception. The portrait is not just a likeness; it's a carefully constructed representation intended to project authority and stability. The composition and detail serve to legitimize Frederick William IV’s position at a time when monarchical power was increasingly questioned. It invites us to reflect on the roles and expectations placed on those in positions of power, and the emotional burdens and personal sacrifices that might accompany such responsibility.