The Sans Souci Palace in Potsdam, outside Berlin, was the “getaway” for King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The pressure of being a mid 18th Century ruler was evidently so great that he needed a country palace that sported decoration that could only be termed Bacchanalian.
I mean there are nudes draped with grape vines all over the place.
Oh, there are a few nods to more martial icons, too. There is a bust of one of the Caesars in the garden, and there are a few reproductions of Roman cuirasses above the molding on the wall. But those are mere framing for the Princess cavorting with putti.
And then there are the multiple mirrors, reflecting the Rococo decoration (which also features grape vines) and floor to ceiling paintings of pastoral picnics with wine.
Sans Souci is French for without care. The name is on the outer wall, right above the grape-draped Caryatids and Atlantids that support the roof on the facade. If you ask me, given the persistent theme of the decoration, the lettering is superfluous.
Because of all the decoration, and the very nice grounds surrounding, the Sans Souci garnered Unesco World Heritage status. Not a bad distinction for a pleasure retreat.
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