Schiller Monument, Monument on Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin, Germany
The Schiller Monument is a marble and iron statue on Gendarmenmarkt square that depicts poet Johann Christoph Friedrich Schiller standing on a pedestal. Four fountain basins with water spouts shaped like lion heads surround the base and are an integral part of the composition.
Construction began in 1869 based on public donations and contributions from Crown Prince Wilhelm, who later became Emperor. The monument was officially unveiled in November 1871.
Four female figures at the fountain basins represent areas that shaped Schiller's work: lyric poetry, tragedy, history, and philosophy. These sculptures show which themes and artistic forms the writer explored in his writings.
The monument stands on Gendarmenmarkt square in front of the Concert Hall and is easily reached via nearby subway and train stations. The square is open to the public and you can visit at any time, though daytime offers the best light for viewing the details.
During World War II, the monument was taken apart and its parts were separated between East and West Berlin. Not until 1986, after the Wall fell, were all the pieces brought back together and the monument restored to its original state.
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