(1753-1820)
Born in Dessau as the daughter of a court musician, she attracted the attention of the Prussian heir to the throne when she visited Potsdam in 1767. With that began her unusual career at the side of the later King Frederick William II. He arranged for her education and made her his mistress. She had five children by him (three of which died), became his advisor in matters of art, but did not interfere with his policies. Her two marriages failed after short periods.
Described as "beautiful and stupid" by Frederick II, who tolerated her, she could overcome all female rivals and cared for Frederick William II during the last weeks of his life. His successor Frederick William III had her imprisoned at the Glogau fortress, but then later released her.
Among the buildings inspired by her are the small palace on Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) and the side-wings of the Marble Palace in the New Garden. She had never lived in the Lichtenau Palace in the Behlertstraße.
