German Confederation Collection

Map of the German Confederation (1815-1866), lithograph, published in 1897
Map of the German Confederation between 1815 and 1866. Lithograph, published in 1897

Portrait of Franz Joseph I of Austria
3521638 Portrait of Franz Joseph I of Austria; (add.info.: Portrait of Franz Joseph I of Austria (1830-1916) President of the German Confederation. Dated 19th Century); Universal History Archive/UIG

Germany (1848). The Frankfurt Parliament convened in Frankfurt's Paulskirche
CUL4932214 Germany (1848). The Frankfurt Parliament convened in Frankfurt's Paulskirche. Debate in the Assembly of Frankfurt 16 September 1848 (engraving); (add.info.: Germany (1848)

Fighting on the barricade at the Köllnische Rathaus (Cölln Town Hall) in Berlin...March 18-19, 1848. Creator: Anonymous
Fighting on the barricade at the Kollnische Rathaus (Colln Town Hall) in Berlin on the night of March 18-19, 1848. Private Collection

Emperor Franz I (II) of Austria as a child, 1780. Creator: Karl Georg Merville
Emperor Franz I (II) of Austria as a child, 1780

The Thinkers Club, ca 1820. Private Collection

Barricade fighting at the Colln Townhall in Berlin on the night of 18 to 19 March 1848. Private Collection

Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria on Horseback, 1830 (gouache on paper)
3036429 Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria on Horseback, 1830 (gouache on paper) by Wolf, Franz (1795-1859); (add.info.: Equestrian portrait of Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria in coronation robes as King)

The Battle of Dybboel in the Second Schleswig War, on 18 April 1864
DHC379902 The Battle of Dybboel in the Second Schleswig War, on 18 April 1864, published by Verlag A. Felgner, Berlin, 1864 (colour litho) by German School

Session of the Frankfurt National Assembly in the Paulskirche at Frankfurt am Main, 1848. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet V (Death on the barricade), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet II (Riding death), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet VI (Death the Victor), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet I (Resurrection of death), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet III, 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet IV (Death hands the sword to the people), 1849. Private Collection

Germania, 1848. Found in the Collection of Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The German Confederation: A Tapestry of History Unveiled Step into the world of the German Confederation, a captivating era that shaped the course of European history. This lithograph map, published in 1897, offers a glimpse into the territorial boundaries and political landscape from 1815 to 1866. Amidst this intricate tapestry lies an intense moment frozen in time - barricade fighting at Colln Townhall in Berlin on that fateful night of March 18th to 19th, 1848. Robert Kretschmer's creation immortalizes the courage and resilience displayed during this tumultuous period. Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria gallops through our imagination on horseback as depicted in a striking gouache painting from 1830. His presence symbolizes power and authority within this confederation. The Battle of Dybboel serves as a stark reminder of conflict within these lands during the Second Schleswig War on April 18th, 1864. It was here that blood was shed for control over territory and national identity. In contrast to scenes of strife, we witness hope and unity within the Frankfurt National Assembly session held at Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main during the revolutionary year of 1848. Intellectuals convened to shape Germany's future amidst fervent discussions and debates. Delving deeper into society's fabric reveals The Thinkers Club circa1820 - an intellectual haven where great minds converged to exchange ideas that would influence generations to come. Yet even amidst progress, death loomed ever-present with haunting Dance of Death sheets by unknown artists from 1849. These macabre illustrations depict various encounters with death - be it on barricades or victory celebrations - reminding us all about life's fragility regardless of one's station or achievements. As we unravel these historical threads woven together by artistry and events alike, we gain insight into an era marked by transformation, conflict, and the pursuit of a unified German identity.