Re: Brandenburg Gate

[Michael D. Gallagher]

BRANDENBURG GATE

Brandenburg Gate is the sole survivor, and but one of many such “Grandiose” gates commissioned and constructed in the 18^th Century, to mark access to the city of Berlin. It was commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent of all things, peace. Given its original intended purpose and the fact it arguably is the most well known landmark in Berlin, it is perhaps ironic that between 1946 and 1989, it was incorporated into the Berlin Wall during the Cold War and the prevailing years of Communist government in East Germany. It is perhaps appropriate that it now should stand boldly as a symbolic testament to the reunification of a once divided city as well as once divided country.

It was designed and constructed by Court appointed Super-attendant of Buildings, Karl Gotthard Langhans, between 1788 and 1791. A Quadriga was perched on top of the Gate in 1794. It consisted of the Goddess Eirene who represents “Peace and Tranquility” riding into the city in Victorious Triumph in a chariot pulled by four horses. Held in the right hand of the Goddess, was a Staff, the top of which was adorned with a Laurel Wreath.

Like all modern Triumphal Quadrigas, the one that adorned Brandenburg Gate was based on the only surviving original Roman/Greek Quadriga initially erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, and now standing in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. The design was based on the Propylea, which was the original gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Other similar modern Quadriga’s can be found in England and France.

In 1806 Brandenburg Gate’s Quadriga was seized by Napoleon as “Spoils of War”. It was returned in 1814, when Marshal Bluecher defeated Napoleon. It was at this time the Iron Cross that and Eagle were added to the Staff carried by the Victory Angel. Symbolic of victory, both were designed by Friedrich Schinkel.

Brandenburg Gate was seriously damaged during WWII. As a result of an agreement reached between the Soviets, British and Americans at the Yalta Conference, the Gate found itself inside the pre-determined boundaries of East Berlin. In an unusual joint agreement in the early 50s, East and West Germany agreed to share the costs of reconstruction of the Gate. In 1961, the Gate was “Walled” off from access by German citizens of West Berlin, when on August 13^th, the decision was made to build the infamous “Berlin Wall”. It remained a monument that could only be viewed from the backside by citizens of West Berlin, until the collapse of East Germany in 1989.

Historical Facts and Blowing Away the Myths:

· When the Qudriga was placed atop Brandenburg Gate in 1794, it faced East – and not West as many misinformed people would have some believe.

· When the Quadriga was jointly repaired by East and West Germany in the early 50s, and subsequently returned to the Gate, it was again positioned facing East, which was the direction it had always faced. The East Germans did not turn it around, as many misinformed people would have some believe.
The East German Government did insist on removal of the Eagle and the Iron Cross, on the grounds it represented War and not Peace. West Germany capitulated and the Eagle and Iron Cross were removed from the Staff held by the Victory Angel.

During celebrations on New Years Eve of 1989-90, the Quadriga was again inadvertently damaged. Upon subsequent restoration, the Eagle and the Iron Cross were added back to the Staff carried by the Victory Angel. Again, contrary to many misinformed people who would have some believe otherwise, the Quadria was not turned to face West when restoration was complete. The Quadriga has always faced East. It faced East at inception in 1794; faced East during the Prussian Empire; faced East during the Weimar Republic; faced East during the Third Reich; faced East during the 40 year existence of East Germany; and continues to face East today.