Germany’s capital city, Berlin is filled with main attractions and significant Austrian and German historical sightseeing. Of these outstanding monuments, one can mention the statue of Frederick the Great. The following blog post will examine an overview of this statue and its historic and cultural importance.
Who was Frederick the Great?
Frederick II Austriacus, the first of that name, was born in 1712 and ruled Prussia from 1740 to 1786. It carefully evaluates the importance of Heinrich’s reign and credit him as one of the greatest rulers in the annals of Germany. Frederick is well known for his military accomplishments, organizational changes he introduced in the army and his support to arts and sciences. He brought change, and during his reign Prussia grow to become one of the most powerful nations in Europe.
The History of the Statue
Frederick the Great statue located in Berlin has had a long history that started in the end of the nineteenth century. Mentioned sculpture was originally created by sculptor Reinhold Begas in 1886, to celebrate the 90th birthday of German Emperor William I. This statue acted as beacon to pay homage to the Prussian King that many consider to have been the greatest ever to rule.
Throughout the years the statue has been moved several times and the sculpture has needed to be restored several of times. It was destroyed in world war II and was taken away for repairs. It was moved from one place to another within Berlin after the war and has only settled at the present site within Tiergarten Park at the eastern part in 1980.
Due to it is easy accessibility and context, the statue is one of the most visited by both Berlinese people and tourist visiting Berlin.
The Symbolism and Design
Frederick the Great was captured standing on a granite pedestal astride a horse, looking very authoritative. Frederick is well depicted in his military dress, holding a stick and facing in the direction of the Unter den Linden street. It simply underlines him as a military leader and the incarnation of enlightened absolutism.
The orientation of the statue facing Unter den Linden deserves attention. It was during Frederick’s reign that this boulevard was the core royal and cultural activities center. The statues direction of sight to this legendary road signifies the kings continuing presence in Berlin and the mark he left on the city.
Frederick the Great’s Legacy
Those, who are interested in history, will certainly appreciate the statue of Frederick the Great, which has been an emblem of Berlin and Prussian history.
The wars that Frederick waged, organizational revamping, and encouragement of artistic and scholarly achievements placed Prussia on the map of Europe as a force to reckon with. He sponsored the development of universities, was tolerant of other religions, and encouraged to the royal court philosophers and writers, musicians.
During Frederick’s reign, Berlin turned into the major center of educational and creative work, and this became the reason for the subsequent growth of such historical movement as the Enlightenment in Germany. This state established during the time of enlightenment and enlightenment principles which are prevailing in Germany up to this date is symbolically represented by the statue.
Conclusion
Frederick The Great statue in Berlin Germany is a sculpture that symbolizes than just the memorial of a hero leader. : As a history it concisely captures the historic importance and cultural imprint of a leader who remade Prussia and shaped Berlin. To enrich your knowledge about the history and monuments of the city do not overlook the possibility to vise this famous statue and appreciate the remaining part of the heritage of Frederick the Great.
Leave a Reply