Rheinstand Sculpture

Sculpted in striking bronze, the Rheinstand Sculpture, also known as the Bismarck Monument, commands attention here in Martin-Luther-Platz. It wasn’t always here in Düsseldorf. Let’s rewind to May 10, 1899. Imagine the pomp and circumstance as the monument was first unveiled. Its original location was on Alleestraße, now known as Heinrich-Heine-Allee. It stood proudly before the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf. The Rheinstand Sculpture depicts Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Minister-President and Reich Chancellor. The sculptors, August Bauer and Johannes Röttger, captured him in a simple military coat, complete with Pickelhaube, sword knot, and riding boots. Notice the Iron Cross prominently displayed on his chest. The Rheinstand Sculpture isn’t just about Bismarck. Look closer at the pedestal. It’s flanked by two allegorical figures. One, an ancient warrior, symbolizes the military unification of the German “tribes”. He holds a sword and a bundle of oak rods. The other figure, a woman with a hammer and her foot resting on an anchor, represents industry. This figure acknowledges the industrial boom in the Rhine and Ruhr regions during Bismarck’s time. The entire sculpture, figures and all, is cast in bronze. The granite pedestal originally bore the coats of arms of Bavaria, Prussia, Saxony, and Württemberg, representing the most important states of the German Empire. Unfortunately, these were lost during the tumultuous years of World War II. The Rheinstand Sculpture stands as a testament to a pivotal figure in German history and the era he shaped.