Andreas Schlüter (1942)

Elector Frederick III wants his residence in Berlin to shine in great splendor, with monumental buildings and monuments. The imposing designs are also meant to proclaim Frederick’s aspirations to power to the outside world. But intrigues at the electoral court make it difficult to find a suitable artist who can meet Frederick’s expectations. At last, the choice falls on the architect Andreas Schlüter, who is commissioned to submit a design for an equestrian statue of the Elector. According to the account, the Elector is delighted with the design and appoints Schlüter as his court architect. His most important task: from then on, he is to enlarge Berlin Palace and remodel it in grand style. Schlüter soon sets to work with his characteristic artistic obsession. He shows no consideration for the small-minded people around him or for rivals such as Eosander, the previous court architect. When Eosander prevails at court with his palace design, modeled on the Parisian style, Schlüter withdraws in wounded pride. His blustering, undiplomatic manner and inability to compromise have made him many enemies. But at least the gigantic statue is to be realized entirely according to his plans. When he decides that it should be cast in one piece, unrest breaks out among the population, who fear that the intense heat required for the undertaking might cause the mold to explode and damage their houses. The monarch then forbids Schlüter from proceeding this way, but Schlüter ignores the order. Although everything goes smoothly, Frederick banishes him. Schlüter then leaves both Berlin and his wife, Elisabeth, whom he blames for many things, and goes to Dresden with his former model, Countess Vera Orlewska. One day, the Elector, who has since risen to become King of Prussia, summons him back to Berlin. Schlüter believes that he will now be able to rebuild not just the palace but all of Berlin according to his ideas. But the King asks only that he build the tallest tower in the world. Schlüter initially refuses because of Berlin’s marshy ground, but eventually gives in to the monarch’s insistence. He throws himself obsessively into building this Mint Tower and is not deterred even when the first signs of a possible collapse appear. He continues building to the end, but during the ceremonial topping-out celebration, the tower collapses. Schlüter is imprisoned, and Countess Orlewska turns away from him. Schlüter realizes that the only person still standing by him and pleading on his behalf is his wife, whom he left behind. It is she who secures his pardon.