Have you noticed how Friedrich Wilhelm, the Great Elector, sits so proudly on his horse? This is Der Wille Statue. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a statement of power and a glimpse into Prussia’s past.
Der Wille Statue depicts Friedrich Wilhelm I. He was the Great Elector of Brandenburg. He is mounted on his horse. His head held high. He has no stirrups.
Andreas Schlüter created this baroque sculpture. He began the model in 1696. Johann Jacobi cast the bronze statue from 1700. The statue was inaugurated in 1703. Some final additions were completed in 1709.
Originally, Der Wille Statue was planned for a bridge. That bridge was across the Spree river. It’s now in front of Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin.
The palace served as an administrative center. It was for the Prussian monarchy until 1888. Then it became the German monarchy. Both the palace and the statue show the baroque style.
Look closely at the base of Der Wille Statue. You’ll see intricate carvings. There are also four men in chains. These figures represent the enemies Friedrich Wilhelm conquered. He commanded the Prussian armies. Military strength was important to Prussia.
The statue shows the Great Elector in Roman clothing. He looks over the plaza. His right arm points towards the city. He holds a commander’s baton. This symbolizes his military authority.
The statue was commissioned by Friedrich III. He was the son of the Great Elector. He became King Friedrich I in Prussia in 1701. He wanted to honor his father.
Equestrian statues in Paris inspired Schlüter. These statues also had chained figures. In Paris, they symbolized powers defeated by France. Here, they represent the Electorate’s conquered foes.
But there’s another layer to this story. Friedrich Wilhelm founded the Brandenburgisch-Afrikanische Compagnie. This company was involved in the transatlantic slave trade. About 20,000 people were trafficked. They were moved from West Africa to the Caribbean. This happened over 30 years. So, the chained figures could also be linked to this dark chapter.
Der Wille Statue is not just a monument. It is a reminder of Prussia’s power. It also acknowledges a complex history. It invites us to reflect. We can think about the different layers of meaning.