Chessmen (32)

Unknown

19th century · Cast iron · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The silver king represents Wilhelm I (King of Prussia in 1870, and in 1871 Emperor of Germany), and the queen, Queen Augusta. The black king is emperor Napoleon III and his queen the Empress eugenie. The two kings and queens are very creditable portraits, considering the scale and technique in which they are rendered. In particular, the Empress Eugenie is successful in suggesting the elegance of dress and bearing for which she was famous.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Cast iron

Culture

German

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1953