FRIEDRICH II
Friedrich , the Great, was not only significant to the Berlin Porcelain Manufactory as King of Prussia and a military commander, but also as its owner and founder following his acquisition of the manufactory in 1763.
Until his death in 1786, Friedrich II steered the company’s fortunes with great personal dedication. He personally commissioned 21 richly decorated dinner services to furnish his palaces. Porcelain also served as an important tool of his politics and diplomacy when given as a state gift. He conferred the title “royal” upon the porcelain manufactory and granted it the scepter from the coat of arms of the Electorate of Brandenburg as its trademark, which is still used today.
In 1851, the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Berlin produced a 32-cm-tall porcelain portrait bust of Friedrich II as part of an equestrian statue based on a design by C. D. Rauch. It is still crafted by hand today at the historic manufactory site.
