Frederick I, King of Prussia. — Born on 11 July 1657, died on 25 February 1713. In 1688 he succeeded his father as Elector of Brandenburg. His participation in the War of the Spanish Succession earned him the royal title from the emperor: he was crowned on 18 January 1701. He patronized artists and scientists, especially at the instigation of his wife, Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. In 1694 he founded the University of Berlin, and in 1696 the Academy of Fine Arts.
Bibl.: E. Précin-V. L. Tapié, Le XVIIe siècle, 2nd ed., Paris 1949, pp. 408 ff. (with complete bibliography). Roberto Palmarocchi