Monument voor koning Maximiliaan II te München c. 1875 - 1900

This anonymous photograph captures the monument to King Maximilian II in Munich. At its heart is the regal figure of Maximilian, yet the allegorical figures surrounding him are equally compelling. Consider the seated figures representing virtues or regions, each a classical echo of ancient Roman statues, updated to reflect 19th-century ideals. This pose of seated figures can be traced back to antiquity, yet its continuous resurgence speaks to our cultural memory and a subconscious need to embody abstract concepts in human form. The use of allegorical figures engages viewers on a profound, subconscious level, resonating with deeply ingrained archetypes. This monument serves as a nexus, capturing a moment in Munich's history while simultaneously evoking the timeless language of symbols. It highlights the non-linear progression of symbols, constantly resurfacing and evolving, taking on new meanings across different contexts.