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Portrait bust to the left of Frederick II the Great (1712-1786). Frederick II managed to transform Brandenburg-Prussia into a European great power. He waged wars against Austria and expanded his principality during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) with Silesia and with the county of East Frisia (1744). In the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) he attacked France, Russia, Bohemia and the Electorate of Saxony. By means of clever diplomacy he managed to obtain West Prussia by annexation in 1772. In 1778-1779 he was involved in the War of the Bavarian Succession to prevent Austria from taking part of Bavaria. In 1785 he founded the Royal League to counteract the plans of Joseph II. Frederik was a great military strategist who was admired by many later generations after his death, including Napoleon Bonaparte. Steel engraving by Carl Mayer (1798-1868). Made in 1844. Signed and dated in print.
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