Jupiter

Jupiter is a marble statue in Sanssouci Park, Potsdam, forming part of the French Rondel beside the great fountain. The circular ensemble surrounds the fountain at the foot of the hill below Sanssouci Palace.

François Gaspard Adam and other French artists created the figures during the mid-eighteenth century. Roman gods and the four elements appear together in life-sized marble, with twisting forms that create a sense of movement. Jupiter represents the king of the gods, known as Zeus in Greek mythology. Frederick II of Prussia placed the sculptures in the park through a gift exchange with Louis XV of France, expressing his admiration for French art.

The original marble figures gave way to replicas made by Wolfgang Wille, helping preserve the ensemble. Its position at the crossing of the park’s main axes gives the sculpture a clear place within Sanssouci’s design, and wheelchair access makes the setting easier to reach.