Prussian Uniforms c. 1779: Hussars from Various Regiments (Late 18th Century)

The development and assertion of absolutist rule in the German principalities entailed the formation of differentiated, state-controlled military forces. The drawing below shows three different regiments of Prussian hussars (from Hungarian huszár, or cavalryman). Highly mobile and suited for flexible, tactical deployment, Frederick II’s hussars played an important role in his military successes against numerically superior enemy forces. Colored drawing by an unknown artist, late eighteenth century.

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© Bildarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz / Kupferstichkabinett, SMB / Jörg P. Anders
Original: Kupferstichkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin