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The copper engraver Daniel Schleuen, born in Berlin in 1711, primarily produced city maps and prospects of the city of Berlin. His prints show historical events and sights of the city at that time, among them also the Gesundbrunnen near Berlin. The pictures served as an endorsement of the king by emphasizing the good infrastructure of the royal city. People should see how diverse and competitive Berlin was. 

Johann Daniel Schleuen, Prospect des Gesundbrunnens bei Berlin (Prospect of Gesundbrunnen near Berlin)

Copper engraving, around 1760

Acquired from the art trade in 1999

The Gesundbrunnen was located beyond the gates of the royal city of Berlin. When a health spa was planned here for the recreation of court and bourgeoisie, this settlement centre not have an urban structure yet. Both worlds were solely connected by the road Badstraße.

Plan von der Gegend um den Gesundbrunnen bey Berlin (Plan of the area around Gesundbrunnen near Berlin)

Pen-and-ink drawing with wash technique, circa 1760

Taken over from the church archives of St. Paul

The enclosure of the spring

Enclosure of the spring in the cellar of the house Badstraße 39, around 1920

Enlargement from a historic negative

The photograph shows the interior of the spring house in its design as a Luisenbad before its demolition in 1908. The spring is staged as a grotto. In keeping with old traditions, it was exaggerated and associated with a legend: The first Prussian King Frederick I had experienced the healing power of the spring in his own body in the year of his coronation in 1701. The first operator of the health fountain referred to this constructed tale. Only in this way could the water be given a value. This story can be read in the picture on the inner wall of the spring house.