Frederick the Great Statue: A Berlin Landmark's History

The Equestrian Statue of Frederick the Great, known in German as 'Denkmal Friedrich II. von Preußen', is a monumental bronze sculpture standing on Berlin's famous Unter den Linden avenue. This significant landmark commemorates King Frederick II of Prussia, also called Frederick the Great or 'Alter Fritz'.

Commissioned by King Frederick William III in 1839, the statue was designed by sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch. It is celebrated as a masterpiece of the Berlin school of sculpture, representing a shift from Neoclassicism to Realism. The monument was officially unveiled on May 31, 1851, marking the 111th anniversary of Frederick II's ascension to the throne.

Monumental Design and Details

The entire monument reaches a height of 13.5 meters (44.3 feet). The central figure is a bronze equestrian statue of Frederick the Great, depicted in his military uniform, an ermine coat, and a distinctive tricorne hat.

The king's horse sits atop an elaborate, multi-tiered pedestal. This base is adorned with the figures of 74 prominent individuals from Frederick's era, including generals, statesmen, artists, and scientists. Among these are 21 life-sized figures of key contemporaries such as Prince Henry of Prussia, Field Marshal Ferdinand, Prince of Brunswick-Lüneburg, and Lieutenant Generals Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz and Hans Joachim von Zieten. The pedestal also features scenes from the king's life and an inscription plate.

A Turbulent Post-War History

While the statue survived World War II undamaged after being encased in a protective brick and concrete shell, its post-war fate was uncertain. In 1950, the East Berlin Magistrat, influenced by the Soviet administration, ordered its removal. The monument was deemed a symbol of Prussian militarism and reactionary politics, which was incompatible with the prevailing socialist ideology. It was subsequently disassembled and its parts were secretly stored in Potsdam.

A Secret Rescue and Ideological Shift

Around 1960, a decision was reportedly made to melt down the bronze components for scrap. However, Hans Bentzien, the GDR's Minister of Culture at the time, intervened. He orchestrated a ruse, making it appear as though the statue's parts were being transported for smelting. Instead, they were secretly moved and reassembled in 1962 within Sanssouci Park in Potsdam.

In a surprising reversal, GDR leader Erich Honecker initiated the monument's return to Berlin in 1980. This act signaled a significant shift in the GDR's official historical narrative, which began to re-evaluate the role of figures like Frederick II in German history. The restored monument was re-erected on Unter den Linden, about six meters east of its original location.

Restoration and Current Status

Following German reunification, the statue underwent a comprehensive restoration between 1997 and 2000. It was then returned to its exact historical location on Unter den Linden, complete with a recreated wrought-iron fence, historical paving, and lighting. The official re-unveiling took place on November 11, 2000.

Today, the Equestrian Statue of Frederick the Great is a prominent historical landmark and a focal point for visitors. It stands as an integral part of the historical ensemble on Unter den Linden, surrounded by buildings like the Humboldt University and the Staatsoper. The monument serves as a powerful symbol of Prussian history and a tangible reminder of the shifting political currents that have shaped Berlin over the centuries.