“Germania” was painted by Phillip Veit in March 1848 during the revolution. It hung over the organ in St. Paul's cathedral in Frankfurt during the National Assembly held there in May with the goal of achieving constitutional government. The allegorical figure stands in front of a tri-colored banner representing German unity and bears the symbols of the imperial eagle, a sword and oak leaves for German strength, and a hemp wreath for peace. The painting remained in the church until the end of World War I. |