Station: [8] Frederick III

Here you can see a large historical painting by Anton von Werner. It depicts a scene from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871.

At the center is the then-Prussian Crown Prince Frederick William, who later became Emperor Frederick III. He stands with several of his staff officers in the parlor of a farmhouse beside the bier of French General Abel Douay. Douay had fallen in the Battle of Weißenburg in Alsace.

The Crown Prince is said to have paid his last respects to the fallen enemy himself. It is precisely this moment that Anton von Werner captures in his painting. He shows respect for the defeated enemy. At the same time, the painting celebrates the achievements of the Prussian army in the war against France.

The painting almost feels like an eyewitness account. The location is clearly recognizable. The people present are also unmistakably identifiable. This precision is no coincidence. Anton von Werner was present at the event himself, but did not paint the scene until 1890—that is, 20 years later. Notes and sketches helped him render the scene in meticulous detail.

That is precisely what makes the work so powerful. It combines the rigor of precise observation with a clear dramatic composition. The viewer’s gaze is drawn to a gesture that unites dignity, military achievement, and remembrance in a single image.

Directly below the painting, you can see other mementos from the time of Emperor Frederick III. Among them are his first pair of shoes. At first, this may seem almost surprising. After the painting’s grand pathos, the focus suddenly becomes very small and personal.

There was a long-standing tradition in the Prussian royal family. Every prince and princess was given a pair of red shoes as a gift upon turning one year old. They were made of the finest red morocco leather.

The more worn pair belonged to Frederick III. You can clearly see that they’ve been well-worn. Next to them, you’ll see another pair. It belonged to his sister Luise, who later became Grand Duchess of Baden. Apparently, she took better care of her shoes. That’s exactly what’s evident from her pair.

Thus, very different mementos stand side by side here. Above is the large painting depicting war, honor, and theatrics. Below it are the little red shoes from his first year of life. Together, they paint a picture of Frederick III that shifts between his public role and personal memories.