The Saxon Steed (Sachsenross) has travelled a lot. You find it in many coats of arms and illustrations from different regions. While walking through Hanover, I finally saw a sculpture of this historic symbol. [German]
The Saxon Steed in front of the Welfenschloss
In 1866, the King of Hanover commissioned the sculptor Albert Wolff to create a bronze Saxon Steed. In the same year, the king lost his reign and country by getting defeated in the Austro-Prussian War. The Prussians came, the king went, but the Saxon Steed remained.
For many years the bronze sculpture led an unnoticed life in front of the Welfenschloss, whose former occupants no longer ruled the country. Finally, when the castle was converted into a university building, the horse moved to its prominent position today.
Since then, it has been stretching its front hooves in the air, visible from afar. Now it forms the embodiment of a heraldic animal that many visitors to Lower Saxony have only known as an illustration yet.
My thoughts on the Saxon Steed
The horse’s posture reminded me of the equestrian monument to Archduke Charles on Vienna’s Heldenplatz. In both cases, the horse sculptures only stand on two legs. This requires careful balancing of the bronze art piece. Such details always impress me.