Ruiterstandbeeld van Frederik de Grote, Unter den Linden, Berlijn 1880

This photograph made by Johann Friedrich Stiehm in 1880, captures the equestrian statue of Frederick the Great, located on Unter den Linden in Berlin. The monument itself, completed in 1851, embodies Prussian militarism and the cult of the strong leader, ideals deeply embedded in German society at the time. The image, a carte-de-visite, served as a portable piece of national pride, reflecting the political climate of a recently unified Germany seeking to assert its power on the European stage. The statue commemorates the long-reigning King of Prussia who had established Prussia as a military power. Stiehm’s photograph, produced in large numbers, helped to disseminate this image of strong leadership and national identity. Understanding this artwork demands that we go beyond its aesthetic qualities, diving into the archives of social and institutional history to explore the image’s role in shaping collective memory and national identity. Only then can we fully appreciate its power and enduring legacy.