Germania 1833 - 1836

Philipp Veit created this watercolor, titled “Germania,” portraying a symbolic personification of the German nation. Note the figure’s laurel wreath, an emblem of honor and victory since ancient Greece, here signifying German aspiration and the pursuit of excellence. Consider the double-headed eagle on the shield. This powerful symbol, inherited from the Holy Roman Empire, evokes notions of strength and imperial authority, transcending temporal boundaries. Yet, observe how Veit imbues it with a modern yearning for national unity. The sword, bisecting the open book, is a potent symbol of authority and justice. The book calls to mind how symbols evolve and are imbued with emotional weight over time. Much like the figures in Renaissance paintings displaying idealized forms of humanity, this Germania embodies a collective desire for unity and strength, tapping into deep-seated cultural memories.