Leibniz – Chronicle of a Lost Painting

Queen Charlotte of Prussia has admired the Enlightenment philosopher Leibniz ever since she was his student, and decides to commission a portrait of him for her castle. Edgar Reitz films the painting sessions as a series of passionate conversations between Leibniz and the artists about the truth of representation in art. Is it possible to capture the essence of the subject on canvas, or are all images merely a form of manipulation? Only the Dutch painter Aaltje van der Meer is capable of challenging the philosopher and winning his heart with her unwavering love of art. But the portrait of Leibniz painted by Aaltje, which came to be recognised as a masterpiece of Baroque painting, remains lost to this day. — Medeia Filmes