The European Art Sale Part I
The European Art Sale Part I
Property from the Collection of the Late Paula and Don Gaston
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
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.