The Golden Rider equestrian statue
Neustadter Markt, 01097 Dresden
Description:
The equestrian statue “Golden Rider” is the most famous monument of Dresden, which is one of the symbols of the city.
The statue was created in honor of the Saxon Elector and the Polish King Frederick August I. On the monument he is depicted in Roman armor, and his eyes are directed towards Poland.
The sketch of the monument was created by sculptor Jen Josef Finache. The statue was cast by Ludwig Wiedemann – a famous master of art forging – in 1732-1734. The pedestal to it was created by the French architect Zachary Longelun. In 1736 all the works were completed and the monument was inaugurated.
During World War II, the monument was dismantled and evacuated. In the mid-fifties of the XX century, the sculptor Walter Flemming led the restoration of the statue. In 1956, in honor of the 750th anniversary of Dresden, the monument was erected on its former site in the Neustadt district.
The last restoration of the monument took place recently - in 2001-2003, after which in 2004 the monument was inaugurated.