Portrait Wilhelm I, King of Prussia and Emperor of the German Empire (1797-1888)

Portrait of Wilhelm I, King of Prussia and Casian of the German Empire. The German monarch is reproduced here as a frontal chest. His bold view is directed to the left. His face adorns mustache and whole beard. His head is crowned by a pickle hood, a Prussian helmet with lace, which was first used in the Prussian army in 1843. Above his uniform with an order on his right chest and around his neck he wears a coat. The effigy is framed rectangular. Wilhelm I was appointed a lieutenant by his father Friedrich Wilhelm von Prussia at the age of nine. He enjoyed military training, partly by his father personally, taking his son on campaigns. After the death of his father, Wilhelm was awarded the title “Prince of Prussia” by his brother and was soon promoted to general of the infantry. After the death of his brother, he took the throne in 1861. He appointed Otto von Bismarck as his prime minister, who worked for him in Wilhelm’s reign. In 1871 he was solemnly recognized the Emperor’s title in the mirror room of the Palace of Versailles. During his reign, some assassinations were carried out on him, one of which he survived only because he carried his pickle hood, which is why he was probably depicted here with the same. The leaf was executed by the British William Holl d.J. (1807-1871) as steel engraving. He used a photograph, as it is under the portrait. Until now, this photography could not be determined. The author will probably be William Mackenzie, who was also British, an activity can be proven from 1854-1855. Signature: Engraved by W. Holl, from a Photograph. William Mackenzie, London, Edinburgh & Glasgow. Caption: WILLIAM, I. KING OF PRUSSIA & EMPEROR OF GERMANY. (Stiftung Händel-Haus Halle Foundation)