Shakespeare Monument, Marble memorial in Park an der Ilm, Germany.
The Shakespeare Monument is a marble statue over 2 meters tall on a granite base in Park an der Ilm, showing the playwright holding a scroll and a rose branch in his hands. The figure stands in one of the city's largest parks, surrounded by walking paths and other memorials.
Otto Lessing created this monument in 1904 to mark 40 years since the German Shakespeare Society was founded in this city. After World War II the piece suffered damage, but a complete restoration brought it back to its original condition by 1999.
The monument sits in a city that deeply valued Shakespeare and shared his works with German audiences through important translations and stage productions. Local writers and artists integrated his stories into their own cultural identity.
The monument is in a public park that is free to visit year-round and is best seen during daylight to appreciate the marble details. The park has several walking paths and other points of interest nearby to explore.
The statue displays different facial expressions depending on where you stand, reflecting the complexity of the playwright's character. A skull wearing a jester cap sits at the figure's feet, a reference to themes found in his plays.
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