Coats of Arms of Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm and Electress Anna de’ Medici

Two magnificent baroque coats of arms flank the wrought iron gates to the forecourt of Schwetzingen Palace. These magnificent reliefs were done in connection with the construction and extension of the palace into a baroque three-wing complex under Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm and his wife Anna de Medici. The coats of arms embrace both royal houses and testify to a highly harmonious bond of marriage which originally was sealed for state reasons. The arrival of Anna de’ Medici, the last of her line, brought sparkle and a love of music and painting to the Electoral Palatinate.