Anton von Werner 1843-1915

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE (1877)

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE (1880)

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE (1885)

1st Version 1877 – Palace Version Commissioned by the Grand Duke – Baden, other German Princes Photo realist style – Presented to the Kaiser on his 80th birthday 14.2ft x 24 It hung the in Berlin City Palace and was destroyed during WWII

1880 Second (Zeughaus) Werner altered the pictorial perspective and portrayed the scene more historically significant and dramatic light Commissioned for inclusion into the Berlin armory which was being converted into a Prussian Hall of Honor Bismarck had worn a rather drab blue uniform that day Kaiser Wilhelm I commented on the change – White coat of the Cuirassiers – protocol he should have worn the white gala uniform – Emperor agreed

1885 – Third (Friedrichsruh) Version Commissioned by the Royal family-present for the Bismarck’s 70th birthday Gave the patron’s just what they wanted Major figures painted as they looked in the 1880’s not 1871 Symbolic – rich portrayal of Bismarck as the empire ‘founder’