Lot 6701
A portrait of Wilhelm II, Landgrave and Elector of Hessen-Kassel, ca. 1810
Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 | A109m | Live auction | 1500 Lots
Description
Pastel on box. Masterfully executed bust portrait of the later Prince in uniform with orders, including the Hessian Military Merit order on a neck ribbon. On a blue background with a painted oval frame. Behind glass in a contemporary gilt moulded frame. Image size ca. 35 x 28 cm, with frame 47 x 40 cm. Wilhelm II (1777–1847), as Prince with the rank of Prussian Generalleutnant, took part in the campaigns against Napoleon in the Korps of Prussian general Yorck, though without cutting a distinguished figure. In 1821, following the death of his father, he assumed the government and introduced reforms along the Prussian model. In 1831 he transferred the affairs of government to his son Friedrich Wilhelm. As Wilhelm I here does not yet wear the medal bar typical of later portraits, bearing the awards earned during the Wars of Liberation, including the Iron Cross second class, this portrait would appear to have been executed before 1813. The uniform type likewise points to an early date.Condition: II + Questions about the lot?
