WILHELM II: (1859-1941)

WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor & King of Prussia 1888-1918. A good vintage signed sepia cabinet photograph, the albumen print by Emil Rothe of Cassel depicting the eighteen-year-old Prince standing in a full-length pose wearing Prussian military uniform, comprising a dark single-breasted tunic with standing collar, epaulettes and contrasting cuffs, a light-coloured waist belt and dark trousers, with a medal bar and breast star displayed upon his chest. Wilhelm holds his Pickelhaube helmet, surmounted by a large white parade plume, in his right hand, whilst characteristically concealing his impaired left arm behind his back. With the photographer´s imprint to the lower mount. Signed (´Wilhelm, Prinz von Preußen´) by the future Emperor in bold black ink to the verso and dated 23rd January 1877 in his hand. Early signed images of the Kaiser are rare. Some light glue residue and traces of former mounting to the edges of the verso, not significantly affecting the signature and date, G

23rd January 1877 was a particularly significant day in the young Prince's life: on that date Wilhelm received his Reifezeugnis (school-leaving certificate) from the Friedrichsgymnasium in Cassel, which he had attended since 1874. The present portrait by the Cassel photographer Emil Rothe was evidently made at around the conclusion of Wilhelm's school years, shortly before he left for Bonn University.