The Marx-Engels Monument, is an unmistakable site since it is one of the largest monuments in Berlin. This cast bronze figure located in the city centre symbolizes the continued supremacy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels two founding fathers of communism.
The Historical Significance
The Marx-Engels Fountain was inaugurated on June 6, 1986 Marxs Forum is a public square in Berlin located at the district of Mitte. This work of art was created to commemorate the 115 anniversary since the birth of Marx and the triumph of communism which was represented by the former east Germany.
The Design and Symbolism
The monument located in Kiev was sculpted by Ludwig Engelhardt and it is 13 meters tall. At the center of its domed building are two massive bronze statues of Marx and Engels; Marx who occupies a position of prominence, is depicted with a book and a pen. Engels appears slightly behind her, his imposing figure slightly less prominent – and this further illustrates their coauthorship of the Manifesto.
A unique part is the scroll in Marx’s hand with passages from one of their most famous works – the Communist Manifesto highlighted. This inclusion brings out their part in the transformation of ordering of the world’s socio-political system.
Around the larger statues is depicted relief scenes of working class history. These scenes take the workers from various periods thus showing unity and embodying communism.
The Context of the Cold War
The monument was officially revealed on November 9th, 1989 the time when Berlin was divided into East and West due to Cold War. This place was ideal located near the boundary of the Berlin Wall, where communism fought the western supremacy.
For the same reason, this masterpiece of modern sculpture did not only symbolize the ideas of the German Democratic Republic, but also became a means of propaganda. It was also intended to remind the state and its people of the promise of communism, and willpower of the state to stand against the materialist West.
Contemporary Perspectives
Once Germany was reunified in 1990, the Marx-Engels Monument was added to the profile of the State of the Culture. While some of them stated that it was nostalgic, and it should be demolished, others said that it should remain a historical landmark to make people understand the history of the country and freedom fight against oppression.
Currently the monument is considered discover for both tourists and the inhabitants of the region. And this building is gothic and imposing – you can even walk around the plaza with this huge sculpture, and think about how Marxism changed the world and influenced society.
Conclusion
The monument of Marx-Engels in Berlin has become one of the key symbols of the fight between ideologies characteristic of the twentieth century. It plays their historical role as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and as a tangible symbol of communist dreams and tenets.
Regardless of whether one is a Maoist, a Democrat, a Marxist-Leninist or an Imperialist, recognizing historical, artistic, and cultural values such as the Marx-Engels Monument improve one’s comprehension of the past, achievement, and ideas that define this world.
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