Lot 307 Dα

The following three lots encompass a drawing and two studies in oil by various artists, which were used as preparatory sketches for the large-scale murals in the Ruhmeshalle (literally "Hall of Fame") in Berlin. This hall was designed on the initiative of Emperor Wilhelm I as of 1877 and incorporated into the Zeughaus (arsenal) opposite Berlin Palace. It was intended to be decorated with numerous history paintings, statues and busts of the most significant military events and personalities of Prussian history. The Ruhmeshalle occupied the upper floor of the arsenal's north wing and comprised the central Herrscherhalle (Hall of Sovereigns) flanked by two Feldherrenhallen (Halls of Generals). Following the dissolution of Prussia and the closure of the Ruhmeshalle, several of the exhibits were displayed in other locations, others were put into storage and others still were destroyed in war. (For more information on the Ruhmeshalle and its murals, cf.: Monika Arndt: Die Ruhmeshalle im Berliner Zeughaus. Eine Selbstdarstellung Preußens nach der Reichsgründung, Berlin 1985).