Royal Splendour Behind The Scenes: The State Bedchamber And It's Function In The Dresden Residence

Christiane Ernek-van der Goes M.A.

On the occasion of the royal wedding in 1719, Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) commissioned the reconstruction of the State Apartment in the Dresden Residence castle. Since these were the rooms where the representation of power, rank and future aspirations took place, only the best of the best was good enough. Besides splendid textiles and extended mirror-glasses, Boulle-marquetry furniture were considered appropriate for this effort. The State bedroom, though not being part of the official ceremony, was planned generously and with extremely rich furnishings. Only a few months after the installation, the original interior decoration of the State apartment was visually documented by Raymond Leplat. Although the drawings were meant to illustrate the festivities, they enable us moreover to explore the interiors in astonishing detail. The talk will give insight into the history of the Dresden State apartment - especially the State bedchamber – spanning from the construction in 1718/1719 until the still ongoing reconstruction. Special focus will be on the lavish interior decoration and its role in staging the representation of rank and power of Augustus the Strong.