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The coronation of the first Prussian King Friedrich I in prints
The coronation procession
In celebration of the coronation of Friedrich I as King in Prussia on 18 January 1701 in Königsberg over 20 large-scale printed graphics were published. Johann Georg Wolfgang produced copperplate engravings, illustrating the crowning, the procession, the anointment, and the celebrations using the drawings by the Berlin court artist Johann Friedrich Wentzel and the report by the head of ceremonial proceedings Johann von Besser.
On 18 January 1701, Friedrich I was crowned King in Prussia. A volume with over 20 large-scale prints illustrating the coronation in Königsberg was published in 1712. The work had been commissioned by Friedrich I and was put together with great care. At a time of court rituals and ceremonies, the entire event was planned down to the last detail. The publication of the series of copperplate engravings stressed the importance of the coronation and reinforced the legitimacy of Friedrich’s rule.
The media station shows how the festivities around the coronation were meticulously choreographed.
