Portret van Frederik I van Pruisen 1708 - 1711

This is a portrait of Frederick I of Prussia, made with engraving by Pieter van Gunst, a Dutch artist working at the turn of the 18th century. The portrait demonstrates how images were used to project power and status in early modern Europe. Frederick is presented within an oval frame, emphasizing his noble status. The elaborate wig, lace collar, and royal ermine cloak were all visual markers of wealth and power. Below the portrait is a detailed inscription listing Frederick’s titles, and an ornate coat of arms. Engravings like this one were not simply works of art, they were tools of political communication. This image circulated widely throughout Europe, helping to establish Frederick’s image as a powerful and legitimate ruler. As historians, we would look at sources like court documents, diplomatic correspondence, and other visual representations of Frederick to better understand how his image was constructed and consumed in the context of 18th-century European politics. The meaning of a portrait like this is contingent on its social and institutional context.