Crown Prince Frederick William, later Frederick III, German Emperor and King of Prussia c. 1880

Franz von Lenbach painted this portrait of Crown Prince Frederick William using oil on canvas. Lenbach’s choice of oil paint allowed him to depict Frederick's likeness with great detail and realism. Note the sheen on the armor, achieved through careful layering and blending of pigments, capturing the light and texture of the metal. This wasn’t just showing off painting skill, though. The armor itself is indicative of immense labor, from the mining of ore to its forging and finishing. It is as much a marker of craft tradition as the painting itself. The subject’s royal status is further emphasized through his rich garments. These were also crafted, of course, but they primarily represent the system of power and privilege in which Frederick was embedded. The portrait is as much about the social and economic forces at play in 19th-century Europe, as it is about the individual. It invites us to consider the complex relationship between artistic skill, material culture, and social hierarchy.