Death Masks of the Famous and Infamous

Frederick the Great (1712-1786)

Photo Credits: Abroadintheyard

Frederick the Great was the King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, the longest reign of any Hohenzollern king. Among numerous military victories, he is known for his reorganization on the Prussian armies, his patronage for the arts and the Enlightenment in Prussia, and his success in the Seven Years War. He became known as Frederick the Great after declaring himself King of Prussia and greatly expanding Prussia’s territories as well as helping it become a leading military power in Europe. He was also nicknamed “Old Fritz” as a term of endearment by the Prussian and German people who adored him. He died in 1786 at the age of 74 due to unspecified reasons.