Johann Friedrich Tielker
Karl II (Ludwig Friedrich), Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Johann Friedrich Tielker was born in 1763 and worked in Celle, Münster, Osnabrück, and Hanover; after living in other places in North Germany he worked at the court of Darmstadt and finally went to Berlin, where this portrait of Duke Karl II of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1741-1816) 1 was probably created. The sitter, whose torso is shown in profile, is looking self-confidently at the observer. He has prominent features and is wearing the uniform of the infantry of Mecklenburg-Strelitz: a dark blue coat with red collar and gold buttons. On his breast he is wearing the star of the Order of the Black Eagle 2 .Karl Ludwig Friedrich was an open-hearted sovereign who was eager for reform. He married the countess Friederike von Hessen-Darmstadt and after her death in 1782 her sister Charlotte. He had some children, among them Princess Luise (1776-1810) who married the Prussian crown prince Friedrich Wilhelm in 1793; he ascended the Prussian throne in 1797 and became King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, thus making her Queen of Prussia.
J.S.O.
1 After the Congress of Vienna the duchies Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz were appointed great duchies.
2 The orange sash which usually belongs to this uniform is not shown. We are grateful to Karl Trefzer, Basel, and a gentleman who does not wish to be named for their information on orders and uniform.
