875 - Unknown (19th), Frederick William IV, Lithography

Unknown (19th), Frederick William IV, Lithography Unknown (19th century): Frederick William IV King of Prussia, 19th century, Lithography Technique: Lithography on Paper Inscription: Inscribed in the lower centre of the stone: "Friedrich Wilhelm IV King of Prussia", inscribed on the right: "bei Ed. Stange in Berlin". Date: 19th century Description: The King of Prussia, Frederick William IV of the House of Hohenzollern (1795 Berlin - 1861 Potsdam), is depicted with youthful élan in this bust portrait. The young king, who took the Prussian throne in 1840 to the great jubilation of the liberal population, presents himself in a posture that is almost typical of his portraits, with a frontal chest and head turned to the side. Influenced by the ideals of Romanticism and inclined to the idea that he had found an exemplary system of government in the Holy Roman Empire of the Middle Ages, his mindset corresponded to that of many of his subjects. The radical restoration policy previously implemented by his father Frederick William III in the course of the Napoleonic Wars was no longer pursued by the young king, but was relaxed with greater freedoms for the bourgeoisie and religious groups. It is therefore hardly surprising that he was offered the imperial crown by the Frankfurt National Assembly in 1849, which he declined. His self-image as a ruler corresponded to a monarch appointed by God who did not need the "crown from the gutter". Frederick William's partly contradictory attitude in this matter was taken up in several caricatures of a Janus-faced ruler. Here Frederick William IV is shown proud and self-confident in a parade uniform with sash and medals. The lithograph shows a very fine treatment of the subject of the picture, which was drawn on the stone by many fine lines. Person: Depicted: King Friedrich Wilhelm IV., Prussia (1795 - 1861 ) Keywords: Prussia, King, Hohenzollern, 19th century, Romanticism, Portraits, Germany, Size: Paper: 48,4 cm x 35,8 cm (19,1 x 14,1 in), Depiction: 35,5 cm x 27,3 cm (14 x 10,7 in) Condition: Very good condition. Faint yellowish discolourations are visible along the edges as well as minor bump marks in the corners.