An oil on canvas painting by Dutch artist, Pieter Nason (1612-1678) depicting Friedrich Wilhelm, Elector of Brandenburg, signed and dated ‘P Nason.f / 1678’ lower right.

Frederick William (German: Friedrich Wilhelm; 16 February 1620 – 29 April 1688) was Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia, thus ruler of Brandenburg-Prussia, from 1640 until his death in 1688. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he is popularly known as "the Great Elector"[1] (der Große Kurfürst) because of his military and political achievements. Frederick William was a staunch pillar of the Calvinist faith, associated with the rising commercial class. He saw the importance of trade and promoted it vigorously. His shrewd domestic reforms gave Prussia a strong position in the post-Westphalianpolitical order of Northern-Central Europe, setting up Prussia for elevation from duchy to kingdom, achieved under his son and successor.

The painting measures 46 1/4” x 31 7/8” and with frame measures 56 1/2” x 42 15/16”. The painting is in excellent condition, the frame has some chipping to the gilt elements but presents well and is in ready to hang condition.

Provenance:

Sale, Sotheby’s London, Old Master Paintings, December 8, 1993, lot 136

Sale, Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen, May 22, 1995, lot 146

Sale, Bonhams, London, Old Master Paintings, December 3, 2014, lot 28

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