3-053-787 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Unveiling the Sedan Column of Victory at Berlin, 1873. 'A ceremony of great national interest, not only to Prussia but to the whole of Germany, took place on...the anniversary of the victory of Sedan [during the Franco-Prussion War]...the monument of Victory erected on the Königs-platz was unveiled with great solemnity. The Emperor William, the Imperial Prince, Prince Bismarck, the Generals, and the Ministers were present...his Majesty addressed the deputation from the various regiments in the following words: "...with feelings of the deepest gratitude, I commit to the present and future generations this Column of Victory, in memory of the deeds of the German soldiers"...The scene at the performance of the ceremony is shown in our Illustration. The Emperor and Princes, with the staff, appear on horseback near the pavilion, in which the Empress and Princesses are seated. The column...is surmounted by a winged statue of Germania, holding a wreath of victory; its shaft is adorned with gilt cannon, pointing upwards, in the sculptured recesses; the capital of the pillar, and the balustrade of its lofty balcony, are likewise gilt. On the right hand are the stands provided for the members of the Berlin Municipality and other privileged spectators'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.