Forarbejde til stikket: Frederik d. Store rider hjem efter en revy ved Potsdam 1788

J.F. Clemens created this preparatory drawing for an engraving of Frederick the Great returning from a military review near Potsdam. Made in the late 18th or early 19th century, this image captures the idealized vision of enlightened monarchy that was popular at the time. Note how the artist uses the visual language of classical portraiture to ennoble Frederick, aligning him with the great leaders of the past. This served to legitimize the Prussian state. But, it's important to remember that this is just one interpretation. By looking at historical sources from the period, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the complex social and political forces that shaped both Frederick's reign and the way it was portrayed in art. What does it mean to produce propaganda for a monarchy? The power of art lies in its ability to shape our understanding of the past and it is up to us to analyze the history critically.