Third Reich or imperial shrine?

[Alex K]

Hi all, I came across this image a while back and it intrigues me, does anyone know what it is, where it was or is, the GI seems somewhat perplexed also! I think its from Getty images

 

regards

 

Alex K

Edited December 27, 2015 by Alex K

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Alex.

I am guessing here.

The faces express mourning as do the figures underneath them. Attire seems middle ages or earlier.

To me this points to some memorial. The iron cross insignias on the pedestal indicate a nationalistic influence. The shallow vessel could have been for an eternal flame.

Bicycle at left and cartons piled up with some filing cabinets could indicate a storage area out of immediate danger through air raid damages.

Bernhard H. Holst

[Alex K]

Hi Bernhard, thanks for your observations, it does look medieval on appearance but could it be "Modern" and drawing on past Glories, something the NS regime was fond of, (Teutonic Knights etc), the Iron Cross pedestal could be a later addition, Don't know but interesting place.

 

regards

 

Alex K

[bolewts58]

It's not Medieval.It's early 20th century Neo-Gothic style.

It's called the Völkerschlachtdenkmal built in 1913 in Leipzig to commemorate the 100th anniversay of the Battle of Nations - Napoleon's defeat at Leipzig.

The soldier is obviously inside the memorial tower.

[Alex K]

HI thanks for the information, mystery solved

 

regards

 

Alex

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Alex and bolewts58.

Thanks for bringing this up as I have never seen photos of the  interior of this important memorial.

It may be of interest that the memorial served as a German strong-point during the defense of Leipzig In April 1945.

A photo comes to mind showing a dead German officer in front of the memorial. Perhaps taken by Robert Capa who was present in the area.

Bernhard H. Holst