Allegorische voorstelling met Frederik de Grote te paard 1763

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, "Allegorical Representation with Frederick the Great on Horseback," sometime in the 18th century. The composition is dominated by a clear hierarchical structure, dividing the scene into earthly and celestial realms. Below, the linear precision renders Frederick and his horse as symbols of power and control. Above, the ethereal rendering of allegorical figures contrasts with the sharp lines below. This contrast is a key element of the print's visual language. It juxtaposes the tangible, earthly power of Frederick with the intangible, divine approval he seems to enjoy. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to create a range of tonal values, adding depth and volume to the figures. Chodowiecki destabilizes traditional representations of power by embedding Frederick within a semiotic web of allegorical figures. Frederick is not just a ruler but a figurehead in a symbolic order. This print serves as a complex statement on power, representation, and the cultural codes that underpin them.