1. Anton von Werner

2. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE
GERMAN EMPIRE (1877)

3. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE (1880)

4. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE (1885)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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’