The Sanssouci is famous for its appearance and its inclusion of French and Italian Rococo (or Baroque) styles of architecture.
The exterior of the palace and the park where it resides embrace the Rococo style. Decorations on buildings and within the park include statues, a feeling of lightness and elegance, and use of curving, natural forms in the ornamentation.
Viewed from the garden, the palace has a lively façade and followers of the Roman god Bacchus line the vineyard, making the palace truly carefree. These two elements, a façade and statues, are important to the Baroque architects: “The ideal city of a Baroque architect would be one in which façades…rise in every direction and statues crowd the skyline” (Sitwell 51).
At the time he ascended to the throne in 1740, the King preferred a more secluded residence instead of an immense palace. Sanssouci is long and sits low to the ground, despite the fact it sits atop a hill. Inside, the palace is adorned with Rococo ornaments. Outside the Sanssouci is decorated with paired herm between the high bay windows, most likely inspired from Pöppelmann’s Zwinger pavilions where they served no functional purpose. At Potsdam however, the herms form an orderly phalanx under the entablature. The herms support the entablature with visible strain.
In the cour d’honneur (Ehrenhof), a massive colonnade greets visitors. This is the official entrance to Sanssouci. The columns, in Corinthian Order, were carefully chosen. Corinthian columns were reserved for use only on buildings for residents of high rank, making it clear to visitors who was receiving them.
