Blessed Karl Statue

This statue was expertly recast from a ca. 1916 edition from the Gebetsliga Archives by sculptor R. Bröse. Originally sold to generate revenue for the Offizielle Kriegsfürsorge (the War Welfare Fund), the donation purchase of these statues helped fund relief and comfort services throughout the empire in wartime like meals to the needy. The original statues were made from scrap metals like zinc to help conserve better metals in the war effort. As World War I progressed, many statues were melted down and lost, making this statue rare and its recasting historically significant. 

Blessed Karl is shown in the dress uniform of an Imperial and Royal Field Marshal, consisting of a white tunic pipped in scarlet with gold buttons with scarlet trousers trimmed in gold lace. Military and imperial honors are signified by a sword at his side, the sash at the shoulder, and the numerous medals across his chest. Among the medals are the Great Star of the Military Order of Maria Theresa and the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece. In his right hand, Blessed Karl carries a ceremonial Bicorn hat featuring golden trim and a plume of green ostrich feathers. 

The statue’s golden base features all the original casting marks of the ca. 1916 statue. The front reads “Kaiser Karl I” and is surmounted by the Imperial Crown of Austria with the back displaying the official wartime producer, the Offizielle Kriegsfürsorge (War Welfare Fund). At the side is the sculptor’s name, R. Bröse, recalling his great work memorializing the Emperor’s likeness and his imperial splendor. The statue's base is felted to protect your furniture and surface tops.

Imported. Resin. Height 11"