Kaulbach’s neuester Carton, Friedrich der Große 1865

Wilhelm von Kaulbach created this artwork, Kaulbach’s neuester Carton, Friedrich der Große, using engraving techniques. Kaulbach, a 19th-century German painter, situates Frederick the Great within a lineage of powerful leaders, reinforcing a narrative of German strength and authority. The artwork emerges from a period of burgeoning nationalism in Germany. Consider the emotional weight of this image. Frederick embodies a complex intersection of power, intellect, and cultural influence. Note the sword, the regal robes, the posture - these symbols are carefully constructed to convey authority. The choice to depict Frederick, celebrated for his military victories, reflects Kaulbach's engagement with themes of leadership and national identity. It invites us to think about the relationship between historical representation, national pride, and the legacies of power.