The monarch’s monumental portrait was a commission for the University of Greifswald and painted shortly after his death in 1841 by the university’s academic drawing-master Wilhelm Titel (1784–1862). It is an exquisite copy of the famous state portrait by the French court painter François Gérard (1770–1837). The late king, better known even today as the spouse of the more popular Queen Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, contributed significantly to the development of the Prussian education system and was therefore of particular importance to our university. He is also considered a patron of contemporary art and architecture: among other artworks, he purchased Caspar David Friedrich’s “The Monk by the Sea” (1808–1810) and also the “Ruined Monastery of Eldena near Greifswald” (ca. 1825) for the Royal Collections. Both paintings are currently on display at the Alte Nationalgalerie on Berlin’s Museum Island.
The more than 2.7 m tall portrait of Frederick William III is the only remaining representative Hohenzollern portrait of the former “Royal University of Greifswald”, alongside that of his successor. The one-year-long, extensive restoration work was carried out by certified restorer Jenny Heymel. A thorough re-tensioning of the canvas, repairs to numerous defects in the canvas and painting layers, and a restoration of the original classicist gold and silver frame were far more extensive than a mere facelift for the painting. This important contemporary document can now be considered saved for the time being.
Further information
Academic Art Collection of the University of Greifswald
The photo is available on request from pressestelleuni-greifswaldde and can be used for free for editorial purposes in combination with this media release. In the event of publication, the name of the photographer must be mentioned.
Contact at the University of Greifswald
Dr. Thilo Habel
Kustodie (University Collections)
Domstraße 11, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 3060
kustodieuni-greifswaldde