Bremen, Ritter am Rathaus II 1904

This image, Ritter am Rathaus II, by Louis Koch, shows a statue of a knight. It's a postcard, a humble medium, yet it speaks volumes about how societies construct heroes. Notice the material—stone, carefully carved to evoke strength and stoicism. The texture is rough, suggesting authenticity, a direct connection to the past. The sculptor's tools—chisels, mallets—shaped this form, each strike a testament to physical labor. Now, think about the social context. Knights represent chivalry, protection, order. But they also embody power structures, hierarchies, and often, oppression. This statue, reproduced on a mass-produced postcard, democratizes the image of the knight. It becomes a symbol available to all, yet still carries the weight of its historical associations. Ultimately, this image invites us to consider how we memorialize figures and ideals through materials and making, and how these representations reflect our evolving values. The convergence of stone carving, mass production, and historical symbolism challenges conventional ideas about fine art and craft.