Friedrich Christian, Prince-Elector of Saxony, Prince of Poland

Gottfried Boy, 1751

The court painter Gottfried Boy portrayed Friedrich Christian of Saxony in full regalia. The likeness conceals the fact that he had a physical disability and used a wheelchair. Against the wishes of his mother, who wanted one of his younger brothers to ascend the throne, he became Elector of Saxony in 1763. He began instituting major administrative reforms, but died of smallpox after a reign of only 74 days.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-971
  • Dimensionsheight 144 cm x width 113 cm, depth 8 cm
  • Physical characteristicsoil on canvas

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • Friedrich Christian, Prince-Elector of Saxony, Prince of Poland
    • Friedrich Christian (1722-63), Elector of Saxony and King of Poland

  • Object type

  • Object number

    SK-A-971

  • Description

    Portret van Friedrich Christian, keurvorst van Saksen, koning van Polen. Kniestuk, staande in wapenrusting, met allerlei decoraties opgespeld en met commandostaf in de hand. Voor hem op een rots staat zijn helm.

  • Inscriptions / marks

    signature and date: ‘Peint par Godefr. Boy. Peintre du Roy 1751’

Creation

  • Creation

    painter: Gottfried Boy

  • Dating

    1751

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    oil on canvas

  • Dimensions

    • height 144 cm x width 113 cm
    • depth 8 cm

This work is about

  • Person

  • Subject

Acquisition and rights

Documentation

Persistent URL

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