Frederick, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

This portrait shows Friedrich, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1717-1785), in a posture adapted from a portrait by Pesne from 1739.¹ However, this painting represents the sitter in as lightly different position. Moreover, the armour does not cover his arms but reveals the sleeves of his blue coat, which is embellished with silver braid.
Duke Friedrich of Mecklenburg-Schwerin succeeded his father Christian Ludwig II in 1756, as was confronted with the Seven Years’ War right at the beginning of his reign. Therefore, he could only partially carry out his plans to safeguard the well-being of his people and a peaceful life in his dukedom. In 1760 he founded a university in Bützow, which soon had to close due to a lack of financial support. His striving to improve the moral education of his subjects was particularly evident in his prohibition of stage performances and of nudity in works of art. Although his measures did not have the desired effect of reforming his people, his enthusiasm for art and his sense of duty made him go down in history as one of the finest rulers of Mecklenburg.
B. P.