Type: Limited edition prints
Size: 48cm x 33cm
Tirage: 100 copies
A pencil drawing of
Fackelträger (English : Torch bearer), a detached sculpture at the Sonnenwendplatz (solstice place) Ordensburg (literally “Castle of military order”) Vogelsang. This was a complex located within the former military training area of Vogelsang in the Eifel National Park in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Created in 1936 by the German sculptor Jakob Wilhelm "Willy" Meller.
The raised torch is a reference to the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus bringing fire to mankind. It fits in with the symbolism of light and was politically reinterpreted as the flame symbolised the rebirth of the nation through the victory.
The huge figure is located on the northeast periphery of the site, still commands the Sonnwendplatz (solstice place) with its bowl of
fire and is easily visible from as far as Lake Urft.
The inscription on the wall reads : "Ihr seid die Fackelträger der Nation - Ihr trägt das Licht des Geistes voran im Kampfe für ((unreadable)).”
You are the torch bearers of the nation; “You carry on the light of the spirit in the fight for ((unreadable)).”
The statue suffered considerable damage during the postwar military occupation.
The landmarked and fully preserved complex was used by the Party between 1936 and 1939 as an educational centre for future leaders. Since 1 January 2006 the area has been open to visitors. It is one of the largest architectural relics of the regime. The total area of the listed buildings is 50,000 m².
