Ludwig Emil Grimm

Grimm made the present print after a painting by Friedrich Bury. Queen Louise of Prussia – whose premature death in 1810 deeply saddened her people – is shown tending to soldiers wounded in battle against Napoleon and his army. After Louise’s death an order of knighthood was established in her name, membership of which was reserved for women who had performed outstanding deeds for Prussia. The first person to receive this reward was Louise’s sister-in-law, Princess Marianne of Prussia, who later became patroness of the order. Born Princess of Hesse-Homburg, it is to her that the present print is dedicated. Marianne was married to Friedrich Wilhelm III’s younger brother, Prince Wilhelm of Prussia. After Louise’s death Marianne became increasingly popular and well-loved, not least because she took charge of rearing Louise’s children. Moreover, she actively encouraged women to assume their responsibilities as Prussian citizens in the fight against Napoleon, which is undoubtedly the reason why Grimm considered the dedication of this print to Marianne to be particularly apposite. A very fine impression with wide margins. Minor staining, traces of handling in the margins, a small tear in the righthand margin, traces of previous mounting on the reverse, otherwise in excellent condition.