Friedensengel, Munich

Built in 1896-99 and funded by the City of Munich, this monument celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles (1871). The golden mosaics in the hall depict nation, war, peace and victory. The Friedensengel, or Angel of Peace, provides a spectacular view of the city, and is sited above a superb terrace, which is unfortunately marred by heavy traffic. The name 'Friedensengel' in fact glosses over historical reality. The monument portrays Athena, goddess of wisdom and peace, but also goddess of 'strategic' war, and she holds Nike in her hand, the goddess of victory; an allegory illustrating the victorious peace which followed the Franco-German war of 1870-71.