Bismarck-Nationaldenkmal

The Bismarck National Monument, on the northern edge of the Großer Stern in Berlin's Tiergarten, is a significant landmark commemorating Otto von Bismarck, Germany's first imperial chancellor. Sculptor Reinhold Begas originally built it in the Neo-Baroque style between 1897 and 1901 on Königsplatz in front of the Reichstag building; in 1938 and 1939, as part of urban redevelopment, the monument was moved to its present location. The work is considered a masterpiece of the Berlin school of sculpture and today stands as a representative example of the commemorative culture of the Wilhelmine era. The ceremonial unveiling took place on June 16, 1901, at which time the monument was still flanked by semicircular water basins with fountains.

At the center of the complex, a 6.6-meter-tall bronze figure of Bismarck rises on a pedestal of polished red granite. The chancellor is portrayed in the uniform of the Halberstadt Cuirassiers, as he was known to appear in the old Reichstag. In his left hand he holds the hilt of his broadsword, while his right hand rests on the document of the founding of the Reich. The figure is surrounded by four allegorical companion figures symbolizing the heroization of Bismarck. These include a kneeling Atlas with a globe on his back, hinting at his titanic strength, as well as Siegfried forging the imperial sword. A Sibyl riding a sphinx represents statecraft and wisdom, while a female ruler figure, presumably Germania, pins down a leopard, symbolizing the overcoming of discord and rebellion.

The front of the pedestal bears the simple inscription "Bismarck," and the back carries the dedication "Dem ersten Reichskanzler das Deutsche Volk 1901" ("To the first imperial chancellor, the German people, 1901"). Bronze reliefs adorn the side panels, including a scene with youths and a herm, as well as an owl circled by ravens. Originally, six bronze reliefs decorated the base, depicting the preparation and completion of the founding of the Reich. These reliefs, however, were removed during a restoration in the 1950s and have been missing ever since, which is why they have been replaced by plain granite slabs today. Despite these losses, the monument remains an impressive testimony to historical art and the political symbolism of the German Empire.