The European Art Sale Part I

The European Art Sale Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 207. Emperor Frederick III and Princess Victoria on the way to Potsdam.

Property from the Collection of the Late Paula and Don Gaston

Elmar von Eschwege

Emperor Frederick III and Princess Victoria on the way to Potsdam

Auction Closed

January 27, 10:47 PM GMT

Estimate

60,000 - 80,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Property from the Collection of the Late Paula and Don Gaston

Elmar von Eschwege

1856 - 1956

Emperor Frederick III and Princess Victoria on the way to Potsdam


signed v. Eschwege (lower left)

oil on canvas

canvas: 37½ by 64 in.; 95.5 by 162.6 cm

framed: 44½ by 70¾ in; 113 by 180 cm

Sale: Christie's, New York, 1 March, 1984, lot 139
Acquired by the present owner at the above sale
A painter of historical events and a professor of fine art in Weimar, Elmar von Eschwege became known for his depictions of famous battles, particularly from the Franco-Prussian war. In the present composition, von Eschwege is depicting the arrival from England of young Princess Victoria after her wedding to Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, future Frederick III, German Emperor and King of Prussia. 

The couple, who were married in 1858, had a loving marriage that produced eight children. They both favored liberal causes and greatly admired Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Similar to them, they planned to rule as co-monarchs and reform the authoritarian executive branch dominated by then Chancellor Bismark. Sadly, Frederick's poor health did not allow them the time to implement the desired reforms to their full extent. Frederick became Emperor in March 1888, the year known as the Year of the Three Emperors, following the death of his father, Wilhelm I at the age of ninety. At this point, Frederick was already ill with cancer of the larynx to which he succumbed in June of the same year following unsuccessful treatment. He was followed by his son Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor, who reversed some of his father's reforms. 

In the present work, Frederick appears on horseback, saluting his young wife arriving in Potsdam accompanied by her entourage, with crowds of admiring subjects lining the road. Sanssouci Palace, the imperial residence, is seen in the background.