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 Augustus II, also known
as Augustus "the Strong," was king of Poland and the elector of Saxony
beginning the last decade of the seventeenth century, until 1733.
He is considered the most popular Saxon rulers, actively contributing
to the development of Dresden as an important center of cultural,
intellectual and artistic life in Europe. He was, however,
largely unsuccessful as a military leader and was not very popular
among his subjects in Poland--especially after a devastating defeat in
the Great Northern War.
It was under his patronage that the secret
of hard paste porcelain was first discovered in Dresden, and the first
European "china" factory was opened 11 miles away in the city of
Meissen. This innovation quickly spread to other countries and
Europe, and porcelain quickly advanced as an important and vital art
form. He was succeeded by his son, Augustus III, who
unfortunately, did not share his appreciation of the arts.
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