''Germania'' is a
painting created at the end of March 1848 during the
Revolutions of 1848. This
allegorical figure is represented with the
Reichsadler, oak leaves (symbols of German strength), an
olive
The olive, botanical name ''Olea europaea'', meaning 'European olive' in Latin, is a species of small tree or shrub in the family Oleaceae, found traditionally in the Mediterranean Basin. When in shrub form, it is known as ''Olea europaea'' ...
branch (as a sign of peace), and a banner.
It was hung in the
National Assembly in
Frankfurt's ''
Paulskirche
St Paul's Church (german: Paulskirche) is a former Protestant church in Frankfurt, Germany, used as a national assembly hall. Its important political symbolism dates back to 1848 when the Frankfurt Parliament convened there, the first publicl ...
'', where it concealed the organ. It was meant as a symbol of a united democratic
Germany.
After the revolution, the painting belonged to the
German Confederation but was not exhibited any more. After the dissolution of the German Confederation, the ''Bundesliquidationskommission'' gave the painting and other items of the National Assembly to the
Germanisches Nationalmuseum in
Nuremberg, in 1867.
The actual painter is unknown. Traditionally the painting is attributed to
Philipp Veit since c. 1900. Apparently its allegorical language draws from
Veit's ''Germania'' painting from 1834–1836. According to Rainer Schoch it might be a collaboration of several artists of the artistic circle ''Deutsches Haus''.
[Rainer Schoch: "''Streit um Germania. Bemerkungen zur 'Germania' aus der Paulskirche''. In: Germanisches Nationalmuseum (ed.): 1848: ''Das Europa der Bilder''. Volume II: ''Michels März''. Nuremberg: Germanisches Nationalmuseum, 1998, pp. 89–102, see p. 99.]
Other symbolism
; Unfettered Shackle: While
shackles are a symbol of restriction or internment, unfettered shackles are a symbol of freedom, independence, or a new beginning. In national personification, this would indicate past control by another power or nation; either
Rome historically, or more specifically, the
Holy Roman Empire. (''See
Germany: History''). However, this was most likely a symbol of the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte after his Conquest of Europe, of which largely sparked the nationalism that led to the German Revolution of 1848.
; Colors: Note the prominent
black, red and gold flag, which is still in use as the
flag of Germany.
; Brandished
Sword
A sword is an edged, bladed weapon intended for manual cutting or thrusting. Its blade, longer than a knife or dagger, is attached to a hilt and can be straight or curved. A thrusting sword tends to have a straighter blade with a pointed ti ...
: In this figure, the sword is brandished and held upright, in a gesture of leadership and defense, rather than offense or attack. Nobility, justice and truth are represented.
Broken chains: being free
Breastplate with eagle: strength
Crown of oak leaves: heroism
Olive Branch around the sword: willingness to make peace
Tricolour: flag of liberal-nationalists in 1848
Rays of sun from back: beginning of new era
See also
*
Germania (personification)
Germania (; ) is the personification of the German nation or the Germans as a whole. Like many other national personification symbols, she appeared first during the Roman Era. During the Medieval era, she was usually portrayed as one of the l ...
*
National personification
A national personification is an anthropomorphic personification of a state or the people(s) it inhabits. It may appear in political cartoons and propaganda.
Some early personifications in the Western world tended to be national manifestations ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Germania (Painting)
1848 paintings
Collections of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Flags in art
German culture
German paintings
National personifications
Paintings in Nuremberg
Romantic paintings