Rathausmann, Dresden, Copper statue on New City Hall tower in Dresden, Germany
The Rathausmann is a copper statue that sits atop the 100-meter New City Hall tower in Dresden, crowning the building's silhouette. The figure appears small from the ground, but its placement makes it a striking landmark in Dresden's old town.
The statue was created in 1905 by artist Richard Guhr and based on the appearance of a circus performer from Sarrasani. After World War II, there were debates about its removal because the raised arm position was associated with the Nazi salute.
The figure shows Hercules holding a cornucopia in one hand while extending the other protectively over the city. This gesture expresses prosperity and blessing for Dresden, which visitors can recognize when looking up at the tower top.
The statue is best viewed from various points around City Hall Square and the old town area, as the tower provides the best sightline. It is visible from outside and requires no entry to the building, so visitors can walk past freely without special arrangements.
During the 2004 restoration, the copper was covered with gold leaf to restore the shine of the original surface. This elaborate process made the figure visible again as a gleaming element against the sky above the city.
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