Schwegerle, Hermann: Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, with a map of Germany, dated 1849, on the table and a book of [1]870 in his hand

The photograph reproduces a painting (castle Ehrenburg, E. 279), allegedly created on the occasion of the ceremony for the naming of Coburg grammar school Ernestinum in 1875. The Duke stands at a table with a map of Germany (1849) commemorating the campaign against Denmark. In his right hand, he holds a book with the date of 1870, presumably his memorial for Bismarck written in Versailles, in which he explained his ideas of a future imperial constitution. The Prince proudly wears his awards, the Order “Pour le Merite” around his neck, as well as the Grand Cross with Swords (on the Sash) and the Star of the Order of the Saxon-Ernestinian House. The attributes refer to the Duke’s military achievements in the Battle of Eckernförde during the German-Danish War as well as to his European interests. As his brother Albert, Ernest was interested in national ideas under liberal auspices and saw European integration as an important factor.

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