ゲルマニア
1833-1836
Philipp Veit's 'Germania' is a striking allegorical figure that looks like she's taking a break from ruling to do some light reading. Seated beneath a massive oak tree—a classic symbol of German strength—she wears a golden cloak and holds a sword across an open book, suggesting that justice and learning go hand-in-hand with power. The double-headed eagle on her shield and the crown resting nearby hint at imperial ambitions, while the row of coats of arms at her feet represents the various states of the German Confederation. Created during the Romantic period, this image became an iconic symbol of German national identity and unity in the 19th century.