Ruiterstandbeeld van de keurvorst Maximiliaan I in München 1855 - 1885

This photograph shows the equestrian statue of Elector Maximilian I in Munich, but its maker remains anonymous. The statue is a symbol of power, designed to project an image of authority and control. Equestrian statues have historically been used to celebrate rulers and military leaders, often reinforcing traditional hierarchies. What's interesting here is the dynamic between the powerful male figure and the animal he dominates, which in turn reflects the societal dominance over both nature and the populace. The statue is erected on a stone block with an inscription in German. Consider the historical context: who gets memorialized in public spaces, and what does that say about a society's values? This image prompts us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are left out, as well as the power dynamics inherent in representation.