(1803-1845)
If you approach Potsdam across Glienicker Bridge, your attention is drawn just to the right to the Villa Schöningen, constructed by Ludwig Persius in 1843-45 for a court chamberlain.
Persius was born in Potsdam and attended public and grammar school here. During his training at the Berlin Architectural Academy he became acquainted with Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The co-operation between them began in 1821. From 1826 he realised Schinkel’s plans for Charlottenhof Palace, the seat of the crown prince. Later it was primarily the plans of King Frederick William IV that Persius carried out.
For example, the Church of the Saviour in Sacrow and the Peace Church in Potsdam originated in sketches of the king, who was e enjoyed not only architecture but also Italy. In addition, in Potsdam Persius built villas for prosperous citizens in great numbers.
Journeys led him to different parts of Germany, but also to Paris. In 1841, Frederick William IV appointed Persius as his court architect. In 1842 he became head of the Royal Planning Department and a member of the Directorate of Constructions. In 1843/44 Persius acted, among others, also for the Count Pückler-Muskau. In 1845, Persius was appointed the Chief Planner (backdated to the 12 October 1842).
This was a tragic moment, for Persius, who built Italian-style buildings to please the king, contracted an illness on his first trip to Italy from which he died in 1845. He is buried at the Bornstedt cemetery.
