Equestrian statue of Frederick the Great, Bronze equestrian monument on Unter den Linden, Germany
The statue shows Frederick II of Prussia seated on horseback, placed on a large granite and bronze pedestal decorated with multiple sculptures. The pedestal displays 74 male figures, of which 21 are life-sized representations of generals and scholars from that period.
Christian Daniel Rauch and Heinrich Strack created this work over several years from 1836 to 1851. During World War II, a concrete enclosure protected the statue from air raids, which proved crucial to its survival.
The figures adorning the pedestal represent generals and thinkers from Frederick's era, showing how Prussians chose to celebrate their past. Walking around the monument, you can observe which people and accomplishments were considered worthy of remembrance.
The monument sits directly on Unter den Linden between Bebelplatz and Humboldt University, making it easy to visit on foot. An iron fence surrounds the work for protection while allowing full visibility from all sides.
During the Cold War, the statue was dismantled between 1950 and 1951 and stored away before being restored and returned to its original location in 1980. This removal and late return reveal how political times can shape the fate of monuments.
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