Have you noticed the serene expression on her face? This is the Denkmal Landgräfin Elizabeth. It stands here as a testament to a beloved figure in Homburg’s history.
Landgräfin Elizabeth, affectionately known as “Eliza”, was indeed the most popular Landgräfin of the House of Hessen-Homburg. She was the daughter of British King George III. In 1818, at the age of 48, she married Hereditary Prince Friedrich Joseph. They shared a happy marriage.
Eliza used her dowry and appanage for her new home, Homburg. She enhanced the palace and the Landgrave’s gardens. She also inspired the Gotische Haus. When she died in 1840, Homburg mourned her deeply.
This Denkmal Landgräfin Elizabeth was unveiled on August 11, 1908. Kaiser Wilhelm II and King Edward VII were present. The marble bust by Professor Fritz Gerth stands on a pedestal. It is located in front of the English Church on Ferdinandstrasse. This church was built for English spa guests.
Victoria Kaiserin Friedrich suggested a monument to her great-aunt. Her son, Kaiser Wilhelm II, fulfilled this wish after Victoria’s death.
The Denkmal Landgräfin Elizabeth captures her youthful appearance. She is dressed in the Empire style. The bust echoes the Baroque style. It shows the high regard people had for the Landgräfin.
The Elisabethenstrasse in Bad Homburg is named after her. A portion of her widow’s residence is open to visitors at Homburg Castle since 1995. It is in the English wing.
Landgräfin Elizabeth was a woman of many talents. She enjoyed painting and was trained in drawing and engraving. She learned printing techniques. She also mastered silhouette cutting. Furthermore she was skilled in painting seat covers and curtains. She embroidered and understood the principles of architecture and garden design.
She had contact with court painters. These included Benjamin West and Thomas Gainsborough. She also knew William Beechey and the copper engraver Francesco Bartolozzi.
She allowed streets to be laid out in her new home. She oversaw the restoration of Homburg and Meisenheim Castle. She procured seeds and seedlings from Great Britain. She monitored their yields in the Landgrave’s gardens. Landgräfin Elizabeth owned a large library. She also had a significant porcelain collection. She continued her artistic pursuits.
After her husband’s unexpected death in 1829 she lived in Homburg and Frankfurt. She also stayed at her brother Adolph Friedrich’s court in Hanover. She regularly traveled to London. In 1837, she witnessed her niece Victoria’s accession to the throne. She also saw her brother Ernst August become king.
She passed away in 1840 in Frankfurt. Her final resting place is in the crypt of Bad Homburg Castle.
The Denkmal Landgräfin Elizabeth stands here. It reminds us of her dedication to Homburg. It celebrates her artistic spirit. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Landgräfin Elizabeth. Her contributions shaped this city.