Adam de Friedel (1780 - 1868)

Adam de Friedel

Adam Friedel or Adam Friedel von Friedelsburg was a Danish soldier and pirate, painter and actor.

Having the character of an adventurer, Friedel became a participant in the War of Liberation in Greece 1821-1829. He was granted the title of Baron Friedel von Friedelsburg, but the information about his aristocratic origin was found to be false and he was expelled from the Greek army. He was eventually forced to leave Greece for London, where his talents as an actor, musician, and painter became apparent.

In London, Adam Friedel opened his own lithographic studio. He became best known for his portraits of the heroes and leaders of the Greek Revolution, first produced between 1824 and 1826. The series of 24 portraits sold in large editions throughout Europe. He also created several famous portraits of Lord Byron.