Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Statue

Why a statue of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing in Chicago’s Washington Park? The Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Statue, a bronze figure, stands as a testament to a complex history of philanthropy, tolerance, and evolving urban landscapes. The statue, created in 1930 by Albin Polášek, depicts the German dramatist and critic, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. He holds a pen, symbolizing his power through words. This tribute was made possible by Henry L. Frank, a German-born Chicagoan whose legacy intertwines with the city’s cultural and medical history. Frank, who funded the Lessing statue through his bequest, also played a crucial role in establishing the Michael Reese Hospital, thanks to the legacy of his uncle. Frank admired Lessing’s opposition to religious intolerance and philosophical dogmatism, themes evident in Lessing’s play “Nathan der Weise.” This resonated deeply with Frank, a staunch supporter of literature, theatre, and a fervent opponent of anti-Semitism. The Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Statue wasn’t always destined for Washington Park. Initially, the executors of Frank’s estate wanted it placed on the Wooded Island in Jackson Park. However, the Chicago Park District suggested the Washington Park location to preserve the natural beauty of the island. Interestingly, this spot was once home to a vibrant rose garden within a larger botanical complex, a stark contrast to the open lawn we see today. This garden was part of a grand conservatory, built to house the rare plants from the 1893 Columbian Exposition. The conservatory, a magnificent structure with various domes and halls, featured exotic flora from around the world. Sadly, this botanical paradise was demolished in 1939, a victim of changing priorities and budget cuts. Polášek, the sculptor, was particularly pleased with the statue’s placement in a sunken rectangle, sheltered by shrubbery yet allowing the westward-facing Lessing to bask in the sunlight. Polášek, trained as a woodcarver in his native Czechoslovakia, often crafted wooden models before casting his bronze statues. His legacy in Chicago also includes the Spirit of Music in Grant Park and the Thomas Masaryk Monument on the Midway Plaisance. The Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Statue stands as a silent observer, witnessing the transformation of Washington Park from a botanical wonderland to its current form. It serves as a reminder of Lessing’s enduring message of tolerance and the complex history that shaped this corner of Chicago.