Königsdenkmal (Original Title) 1866

This photographic print of the Königsdenkmal, or King’s Monument, in Berlin's Tiergarten, was created by Hermann Wilhelm Vogel. Produced in a newly unified Germany, the image reflects a broader cultural investment in celebrating Prussian history and national identity. The monument, barely visible through the trees, commemorates Queen Luise of Prussia. The Tiergarten, originally a royal hunting ground, was transformed into a public park in the 19th century, reflecting changing social attitudes towards access to nature and leisure spaces. Through this lens, Vogel’s photograph becomes more than just a scenic view, it is a carefully constructed representation of national pride, royal legacy, and evolving public space. To understand the photograph more fully, we can turn to period newspapers, guidebooks, and city planning documents to further illuminate the work.