“What a magnificent sight” you might exclaim. Before us stands the Kurt Christoph von Schwerin Statue a bronze testament to a Prussian field marshal. This isn’t just any statue. It’s a remarkable story of creation destruction and rebirth.
The original statue a masterpiece of Rococo style was created in marble in 1769. Francois Gaspard Adam and Sigisbert Francois Michel the sculptors gifted Berlin with this work. It depicted Schwerin in Roman uniform a commanding figure. Sadly this first version was moved in 1904 to the Bode Museum’s small dome hall.
Years later a new Schwerin statue emerged. This time cast in bronze by August Kiss the statue reflects a different era. It shows the field marshal in a more realistic Friderician uniform. This bronze statue had a journey of its own. It was moved several times eventually even being stored during World War II.
The statue we see today is a symbol of perseverance. It was painstakingly restored and placed here on Zietenplatz in 2009. The Schadow Gesellschaft Berlin and the Berlin State Monument Authority ensured its return. The re-erection included a new granite pedestal based on old photographs. The inscription on the pedestal is a testament to its craftsmanship. You can even see the foundry names prominently displayed.
The Kurt Christoph von Schwerin Statue isn’t just a monument. It embodies a significant chapter in Berlin’s history. It represents artistic evolution military prowess and the enduring spirit of this city. The statue’s multiple incarnations bear witness to Berlin’s turbulent past. Yet it stands tall as a reminder of its strength. Its bronze form seems to echo the resilience of the city itself. Today this restored monument stands proudly on Zietenplatz a beacon of Berlin’s rich past.