Masterfully portrait of the King  Frederick William IV of Prussia (1795 - 1861) was executed in 1840-1850s . Despite the fact that the portrait is not signed but due to the identical quality and style of famous portraits of the king by the same artist we attributed this work to the hand of well renown Berlin military, portrait and horse painter Franz Krüger (1797 - 1857). For attribution to the artist, and not to his follower, also said the fact of absence in the literature about F.Krüger of fully identical portrait of this king . For comparison with similar portraits by Krüger see additional photos.

Franz Krueger (1797 Grossbadegast - 1857 Berlin), called "Horse-Krueger", studied at the Berlin Academy for a short time from 1812 and continued his education as an autodidact. He extensively studied thoroughbred horses at the royal stables. Prince August of Prussia and Count Neidhardt of Gneisenau helped him to acquire high patrons, who let portray themselves on horseback and with retinue. Krueger soon rose to the most noted militarian and portrait painter of Berlin. He painted portraits of the members of the Prussian royal family, of various court persons, of Prussian high society. In 1825 Friedrich Wilhelm III granted him the title of "Royal Professor". At the same time he became a full member of the Academy of Arts. Krueger´s fame led him to numerous professional trips. In 1839-1840 he worked at the court of King of Hannover, in 1854 at the court of Grand Duke of Mecklenburg. The artist repeatedly travelled to St.Petersburg to paint on commission of Tsar Nikolai I (in 1836, 1845, 1847, 1850/51). From 1840 on Krüger was the favourite painter of the next Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV and his retinue.

Literature: Thieme/Becker "General Lexicon of artists", lepzig, 1999; "Der Maler Franz Krüger (1797-1857)" exhibition catalaogue, Berlin 2007; Wikipedia.

Inscription: unsigned.

Technique: painted in oval, oil on board, luxuriousy original period gold plated frame with military ornaments.

Measurements: 8 1/4 " x 8 1/4" (21 x 21 cm); framed 13 1/4" x 13" (33,5 x 33 cm)

Condition: painting and frame are in very good condition .