Original Item: Only One Available. This is a handsome German porcelain statue depicting King Frederick II of Prussia, better known as Frederick the Great or “Old Fritz,” accompanied by his dog.

The figure measures approximately 9 3/4 inches tall and stands on an elongated porcelain base measuring approximately 3 5/8 by 5 5/8 inches.

The underside bears the maker’s mark of Ens-Porzellan of Volkstedt, an important center of Thuringian porcelain production known for finely modeled and carefully decorated figures. Karl Ens was one of several notable porcelain manufacturers that operated in the Volkstedt and Rudolstadt region, which had developed a strong reputation for decorative porcelain by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The statue presents Frederick in his familiar military attire, standing beside a small dog. Frederick was known for his affection for dogs, particularly his Italian greyhounds, which lived with him at Sanssouci and frequently appeared in later artistic depictions of the Prussian monarch.

The figure is carefully modeled with a long military coat, tall boots, sash, decorations, and Frederick’s characteristic tricorn hat.

Frederick originally held a cane in one hand, while a sword hung at his side.

The lower portion of the cane has broken away and is no longer present.

The lower portion of the sword is also broken and missing.

These losses are clearly visible and represent the principal condition issues.

The remainder of the figure displays well, retaining its overall form, painted details, and attractive period appearance. Any additional minor age-related wear, rubbing, firing irregularities, or surface marks are consistent with an older porcelain display piece.

Frederick II ruled Prussia from 1740 until his death in 1786. He inherited a highly disciplined state and army from his father, Frederick William I, and transformed Prussia into one of Europe’s leading military and political powers.

Soon after taking the throne, Frederick invaded the Austrian province of Silesia, beginning a series of conflicts that established his reputation as a commander. Prussia retained Silesia after the War of the Austrian Succession and later survived a coalition of powerful enemies during the Seven Years’ War.

Frederick’s battlefield victories, administrative reforms, and expansion of Prussian territory earned him the title Frederick the Great.

He was also a patron of music, architecture, literature, and philosophy. A talented flute player and composer, Frederick maintained correspondence with leading intellectuals and invited Voltaire to his court.

His reign is frequently associated with enlightened absolutism. Frederick described the monarch as the “first servant of the state” and sought to improve the efficiency of the Prussian government, legal system, agriculture, and economy.

His policies nevertheless reflected the limitations and contradictions of 18th-century European monarchy. While he promoted a degree of religious tolerance and welcomed immigrants who could contribute to the Prussian economy, his government remained highly centralized, militarized, and socially hierarchical.

Frederick’s military and administrative achievements had a lasting influence on the development of Prussia. Under his rule, the kingdom emerged as a serious rival to Austria for leadership among the German states.

Following his death, Frederick became one of the most celebrated figures in German historical art and popular culture. Paintings, bronzes, porcelain figures, postcards, and household decorations frequently depicted him in uniform, often accompanied by one of his dogs.

Such portrayals emphasized a combination of military discipline, personal simplicity, and devotion to Prussia. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Frederick was increasingly presented as an idealized model of German leadership and state service.

Volkstedt became particularly well known for decorative porcelain figures, supported by a regional tradition that began in the 18th century and later included firms such as Karl Ens. The area’s porcelain workshops produced military figures, historical personalities, animals, dancers, and elaborate domestic subjects for the German and international markets.

Without examining the exact factory mark and comparing it directly with documented Ens marks, the precise production date cannot be stated conclusively. The modeling, subject matter, and maker attribution are consistent with a pre-WWII decorative porcelain figure.

Despite the missing lower sections of the cane and sword, the statue retains excellent visual presence. Frederick’s distinctive uniform, tricorn hat, and accompanying dog make the subject immediately recognizable.

A substantial and attractive Ens-Porzellan representation of Frederick the Great, combining Prussian military history with the renowned porcelain-making tradition of Volkstedt.

Specifications:
Subject: Frederick II, King of Prussia
Maker: Ens-Porzellan
Place of Manufacture: Volkstedt, Germany
Period: Pre-WWII Era
Material: Porcelain
Height: Approximately 9 3/4"
Base Dimensions: Approximately 3 5/8" × 5 5/8"
Condition: Lower Portions of Cane and Sword Broken and Missing