Gedenknaald in het Invalidenpark, Berlijn 1868 - 1870

Johann Friedrich Stiehm created this photographic print of the Gedenknaald in Berlin's Invalidenpark. Dominating the composition is the monument, topped with a Prussian eagle, a symbol of power and imperial authority. The eagle, perched high above, is a powerful motif with roots stretching back to ancient Rome. It was a symbol of the Roman Empire, reborn here in Prussian form. This appropriation speaks to a deep psychological need to connect with the past, to legitimize power through association with former empires. The eagle has reappeared countless times throughout history, each time carrying a different shade of meaning, yet always evoking strength and dominion. Observe how this symbol engages our collective memory and subconscious processes. The monument serves as a focal point for national identity and historical narrative, evoking powerful emotional states and a sense of shared heritage. It's a cyclical progression, resonating with the weight of history.