Portretmedaillon van Prinses Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1784

Johann Heinrich Schepp created this portrait medallion of Princess Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina of Prussia sometime between 1736 and 1811. The delicate carving offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of European aristocracy. Made during the Enlightenment, the medallion reflects the era’s fascination with classical forms and portraiture. It also speaks to the social function of art at the time, as portraiture was often used to assert status and lineage. The princess, depicted in profile, embodies the ideals of beauty and refinement expected of women in her position. The choice of a medallion format itself references ancient Roman traditions, linking the Prussian monarchy to a lineage of power and prestige. Historians examining works like this consider the role of patronage, the circulation of images, and the complex power dynamics reflected in such seemingly simple objects. By studying these cultural artifacts, we gain insight into the values and social structures of past societies.