Bismarck

The Bismarck Monument in Wiesbaden is a bronze sculpture by Ernst Gustav Herter, a member of Berlin Academy of Art. It portrays Prince Otto von Bismarck, Germany’s first imperial chancellor. Herter shows Bismarck in the interim uniform of the Halberstadt Cuirassiers, with riding boots and a Pickelhaube helmet. The larger-than-life figure presents the statesman in military dress.

The monument first stood at Wilhelmsplatz, later called Bismarckplatz, before traffic changes moved it to Nero Valley Park. Nero Valley Park now holds the bronze figure. The original ensemble included Nassovia, a female figure honouring Nassau, and a youth representing German youth. Those additional figures were removed and melted down, while imperial symbols once included a crown, sceptre, sword, and Prussian eagle. The history category places this Wiesbaden spot within Germany’s memory of Bismarck’s political era. What remains combines a named artist, bronze material, military details, and a changed setting in one historical landmark.