Artworks
Old Master Paintings & Drawings
Georg Philip I Rugendas (Augsbourg 1666 - 1742)
Frederick I of Prussia
Red chalk, ink and gray wash on paper
17 3/4 x 16 1/2 in
45 x 42 cm
45 x 42 cm
Provenance
Private collection, France
Private collection, Switzerland
Christie's New York lot no. 276 from the sale of 01/10/1996 (reproduced on page 265)
This drawing was long considered to represent Charles VI. In reality, our drawing represents Frederick I of Prussia. Indeed, the saddle cloth displays the single-headed eagle with the FR monogram...
This drawing was long considered to represent Charles VI. In reality, our drawing represents Frederick I of Prussia. Indeed, the saddle cloth displays the single-headed eagle with the FR monogram (for “Friedericus Rex”). Moreover, Friedrich is characterized by his very distinctive mustache. The current portrait can most likely be dated after his coronation in 1701, the year when images of the new king were disseminated throughout Europe. According to Mr. Telesko - whom we warmly thank - this drawing could have been made for a poster featuring the new king.