The golden angel
Like a golden angel, Victoria, the goddess of victory from Greek mythology, crowns the 67-metre-high Victory Column in Berlin. Built between 1864 and 1873 under Heinrich Strack, the monument commemorates the Wars of Unification and the victories over France and Austria. The bronze sculpture of the goddess of victory was created by Friedrich Drake. Curiously, the Berliners call the Victory Goddess Gold-Else, who shines even more golden than usual on this night.
The train of time
In the foreground, a number of light strips pass by. Like the train of time, which, especially in the centre of Europe, in the capital of Germany, has left the people there little peace in the past. But whatever the situation may be at the moment, the train of time continues on its way and what remains is its shadowy light.
Merging time and place
The golden main motif against the strong dark blue night sky is divided by the light lines and at the same time merges with them.
Undivided symbol of hope
Within the Berlin-Editions, this work is another expression of Wagner's obsession with the themes of time and eternity. Just as Berlin itself was divided, the passage of time also seems to divide the Victory Column. Yet, like an angel, the goddess of victory stands immovable in her place as a symbol of strength, victory and unity, giving people hope from a great height for overcoming even the most difficult moments, while time, as if unconcerned, continues to run.