---
title: Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci
author: Adolph von Menzel
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21680/frederick-the-great-playing-the-flute-at-sanssouci/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-04-02
---

# Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci

_Authored by Adolph von Menzel_

## Image File

[![Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21680.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21680.jpg)

## Image Caption

*[Frederick the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Frederick_the_Great/) Playing the Flute at Sanssouci*, painting by Adolph von Menzel, Berlin, c. 1850.

Frederick the Great was known for both his martial stratagem and his patronage of the arts. An avid flute player, he would often host concerts like the one depicted above at his summer residence in Sanssouci [Palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/), Potsdam.

Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin

## Cite This Work

### APA
Menzel, A. v. (2026, April 02). Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21680/frederick-the-great-playing-the-flute-at-sanssouci/>
### Chicago
Menzel, Adolph von. "Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 02, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21680/frederick-the-great-playing-the-flute-at-sanssouci/>.
### MLA
Menzel, Adolph von. "Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci." *World History Encyclopedia*, 02 Apr 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21680/frederick-the-great-playing-the-flute-at-sanssouci/>.

## License & Copyright

[Original image](https://recherche.smb.museum/detail/966477) by **Adolph von Menzel**. Submitted by [Harrison W. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/harrisonwmark/ "User Page: Harrison W. Mark"), published on 02 April 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.