Kopf des Genius "Pax", rechts über dem Rundbogenfenster von Portal 5

Political

While making their way through the palace, visitors would see numerous depictions symbolizing the king's rank and power. A gateway in the Great Courtyard (Großer Schlosshof), which was created between 1707 and 1716 after designs by Johann Friedrich Eosander von Göthe, was adorned by the crown, the cross, a chain link, an eagle and a breastplate. The crown, the most important symbol of the king's regality, appeared above the gateway at a height of approximately twenty-five metres – all who passed beneath it were meant to feel small and unimportant. Below the crown were blazoned the king's initials, framed by an ornate collar from which hung the Order of the Black Eagle. Following the example of other European rulers, Prince Elector Frederick III had endowed the order in 1701, one day before crowning himself king. From then on, he bestowed this decoration on relatives, members of his court and high-ranking personages at home and abroad in order to strengthen their loyalty to the ruling dynasty and extend his own influence. The breastplate, only part of which survives, was a trophy testifying to the king's military victories. The heads and the fragmentary wing belonged to angel-like genii who blew their trumpets in honour of the king. Everything was designed to impress.