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Peter von Cornelius Monument, Dusseldorf
The Peter von Cornelius Monument in Dusseldorf honors one of Germany's pivotal painters and the first director of the Royal Art Academy in the city. Unveiled on June 24, 1879, this monument is the work of sculptor Adolf von Donndorf and captures Cornelius in his later years, brush in hand, symbolizing his dedication to the arts. Set at the beginning of Konigsallee and near Corneliusplatz, the monument’s strategic placement reflects Cornelius’s importance to Dusseldorf's artistic heritage.
Cornelius, a key figure in the Nazarene movement, was known for his pen-and-ink works for Goethe's Faust and monumental frescoes with themes often delving into the philosophical and religious. His "Last Judgment" fresco in Munich’s Ludwig's Church is among his most significant works, though his technique often leaned toward dense compositions influenced by the German master Albrecht Durer. Despite limited color technique in his oil works, Cornelius’s thematic ambition has left a lasting mark on German art history.
The monument itself is an elaborate bronze and granite structure, with allegorical figures representing Poetry and Religion, along with reliefs depicting Painting, Germania, and Italia. Inscriptions referencing cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Rome acknowledge Cornelius's artistic contributions across Europe. Originally positioned in front of the Park Hotel, the monument was moved 30 meters north in 1937, where it now stands proudly as a tribute to Cornelius’s legacy.
Cornelius, a key figure in the Nazarene movement, was known for his pen-and-ink works for Goethe's Faust and monumental frescoes with themes often delving into the philosophical and religious. His "Last Judgment" fresco in Munich’s Ludwig's Church is among his most significant works, though his technique often leaned toward dense compositions influenced by the German master Albrecht Durer. Despite limited color technique in his oil works, Cornelius’s thematic ambition has left a lasting mark on German art history.
The monument itself is an elaborate bronze and granite structure, with allegorical figures representing Poetry and Religion, along with reliefs depicting Painting, Germania, and Italia. Inscriptions referencing cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Rome acknowledge Cornelius's artistic contributions across Europe. Originally positioned in front of the Park Hotel, the monument was moved 30 meters north in 1937, where it now stands proudly as a tribute to Cornelius’s legacy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dusseldorf. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Peter von Cornelius Monument on Map
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Sight Name: Peter von Cornelius Monument
Sight Location: Dusseldorf, Germany (See walking tours in Dusseldorf)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Dusseldorf, Germany (See walking tours in Dusseldorf)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Dusseldorf, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Dusseldorf
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dusseldorf is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dusseldorf Introduction Walking Tour
The area at the confluence of the Rhine and Dussel rivers was on the outskirts of the Roman Empire and settled by Germanic fishing tribes. It is from these small beginnings that the town takes its name. "Dorf" translates to "village" in English. The city of Dusseldorf has since grown far larger than that original eighth-century fishing village.
Dusseldorf was first elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dusseldorf was first elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Rhine River Promenade Walk
The scenic Rheinuferpromenade (Rhine Promenade) is the lifeline of Dusseldorf. Currently one of the most beautiful places in the city and a very popular destination for both locals and tourists, this approximately 1.5-kilometer-long embankment was developed between 1990 and 1997 to a design by architect Niklaus Fritschi.
The project was easily one of the most successful waterfront... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The project was easily one of the most successful waterfront... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Dusseldorf's Old Beer (Altbier) Walk
Just as London has given us Porter, Dublin – Stout, Burton – the original (English) IPA, and Cologne – Kolsch, Dusseldorf has contributed to the world of beers its signature Altbier. They say, Dusseldorf and Altbier go together like onion rings and blood sausage. Curiously enough, though, this delicious, cool-fermented and malty brew, ranging in color from dark brown to copper, is not... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles