Royal Family Portrait: Prussian Nobility Circa 1910

The photograph captures Friedrich Leopold of Prussia, a notable member of the Prussian royal family, alongside his wife and son during a period marked by significant political and social changes in Europe. Taken between 1910 and 1915, it provides a glimpse into the life of a royal family during the final years of the German Empire, just before the tumultuous upheaval of World War I. Friedrich Leopold, born in 1865, was the second son of Prince Friedrich Charles of Prussia and a descendant of the House of Hohenzollern, which had a profound influence on German history.

The early 20th century was a complex time for European nations, with rising tensions that would lead to the Great War. This image not only memorializes a moment in the daily life of a royal family but also encapsulates an era when monarchical power was being challenged by emerging political movements and social changes. The attire, expressions, and setting reflect the customs and decorum of the time, offering insights into the lifestyle of the nobility and the weight of lineage in a period on the brink of dramatic transformation in Europe.