3-074-587 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Unveiling the German National Monument at Rüdesheim, opposite Bingen on the Rhine, 1883. 'The grand ceremony of dedicating the statue of "Germania," the National Monument to commemorate the victories of 1870 and 1871 [ie the Franco-Prussian War], and the establishment of the German Empire, was performed by the Emperor, King William [Wilhelm] I. of Prussia...A hundred thousand persons were assembled from all parts of Germany...On the terrace in front of the monument was the Imperial pavilion, in the national colours, black, white, and red; at the sides were grand stands for privileged spectators. The Emperor...came in an open carriage drawn by four black horses; his Majesty wore a General's uniform... The designer and sculptor of the whole work is Professor Johannes Schilling, of the Dresden Royal Academy of Arts...[The] pile of granite blocks rises to a height of 80 ft., forming a pedestal which supports the colossal bronze statue, 36 ft. high, clad in a coat of mail, standing in front of a throne, holding aloft a crown for the Empire of Germany, and with her left hand resting upon a sheathed sword...Our Illustrations are from Sketches by Mr J. Dinsdale, the artist who attended the ceremony on behalf of this Journal'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.