ENGELBRECHT, Martin (1684-1756) engraved by STEUTTNER; [Elisabeth Christine, QUEEN OF PRUSSIA (1715-1797, portrait of)]
Elisabetha Christina, D. G.
Augsburg: Published by Martin Engelbrecht, circa 1745. Engraving with thick early colour with gold highlights. Printed on laid paper. In excellent condition with the exception of some minor foxing in the margins. Image size: 9 3/4 x 7 inches. Sheet size: 14 3/16 x 8 3/4 inches. Plate mark: 12 x 7 1/2 inches.
A majestic portrait with stunning early colour of Queen Elisabetha Christina by the celebrated Augsburg engraver Martin Engelbrecht.
Martin Engelbrecht was one of the most prolific engravers and printsellers in Augsburg at the close of the 17th century. Along with his brother Christian, Martin dominated the print trade, producing some of the finest prints of his day. His outstanding portraits and landscape studies are beyond compare and his religious and allegorical engravings display a technical aptitude superior to many of his contemporaries. Martin had great success with his optical prints, which were used in perspective boxes. He is best remembered for his equestrian portraits depicting European nobility, and his engravings of Queen Elizabeth and Joseph II are numbered amongst his best work. This stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth is a rare example with vibrant early colour and is a wonderful example of Engelbrecht's superior work. Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern, the Queen of Prussia, faced the challenging role of being a royal wife to Frederick the Great. Their marriage was a politically motivated one, arranged to secure Frederick's release from his father's oppressive regime. From the very beginning, it was clear that Frederick resented this union. He did not show any affection or interest in Elisabeth, and she had to endure a difficult and somewhat lonely position at the Berlin Court. In spite of her husband's neglect, Elisabeth took on a very public role in Prussia. She handled representational duties, presided over court functions, and hosted events, even when Frederick did not attend. She was known for her charity work, especially during the Seven Years' War, where she became a symbol of Prussian resilience in the face of crisis. Her influence extended to matters of state, and she actively participated in political literature. Elisabeth also successfully introduced silk cultivation to Prussia. As queen dowager after Frederick's death, she continued to have an active role in public life and provided valuable insight and advice to the royal family. Despite the challenging circumstances of her marriage, Elisabeth Christine left a lasting legacy as a strong, compassionate, and influential figure in European history.
Item #14742
Price: $350.00