Frederick William himself had little use for painting and art for its own sake; he was far more interested in soldiers, soldiering, and building the army. He did, however, appoint Pesne as director of the Prussian Academy of Arts in 1732. At that point, Pesne became famous for his portraits of the Prussian royal family and their households.
Frederick William's preference for military affairs is highlighted by his lack of enthusiasm for art, yet he appointed Pesne as director of the Prussian Academy of Arts in 1732, leading to Pesne's fame for his portraits of the royal family and their household.