Zes voorstellingen uit de serie anekdotes van Friedrich II 1788

Daniel Chodowiecki created this print, “Six performances from the series anecdotes of Friedrich II,” using etching techniques, sometime in the late 18th century. Chodowiecki was a keen observer of social mores. As a member of the Berlin Academy of Arts, he produced countless prints and book illustrations that captured everyday life and commented on social issues. This particular series focuses on anecdotes of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, and offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the Prussian court. In each scene, we see interactions between Frederick and various figures, possibly illustrating his wit, wisdom, or perhaps even his flaws. These anecdotes provide insights into the values and norms of Prussian society. By examining the visual language, we can decipher the attitudes toward leadership, social class, and the role of the monarchy during the Age of Enlightenment. Historical archives, letters, and other documents can provide greater context to the anecdotes depicted in the print, enhancing our understanding of its meaning.