Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Bevern

The miniature correlates with a well-known type of representation of Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick and Lüneburg (1721-1792).¹ Ferdinand was the fifth son of Duke Ferdinand Albert II and his wife, Princess Antoinette Amalie of Wolfenbüttel. From 1740 until 1766 he served as an officer in the Prussian army and finally was appointed commander of the castle at Magdeburg. Ferdinand excelled particularly in the Seven Years’ War, when he successfully commanded the troops of Hanover, Brunswick, Hesse and Schaumburg Lippe. In 1759, in the battle near Minden he led the allied army victoriously against the French and thus saved Germany from renewed occupation. For his merits he received the Order of the Garter from George II in the same year, a pension for life and a substantial financial gift of honour. The miniature shows Ferdinand with the blue sash of the order; on his left breast he wears the silver star with the red cross of St George, which forms part of the order.
After a dispute between Ferdinand and his royal master, the Prussian king Frederick II, he took his leave in 1766 and retired to Brunswick and his castle at Vechelde.
J. S. O.