Maria Theresa Monument

Monuments to the two most important generals of the monarchy, Prince Eugene of Savoy and Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen, were erected in 1860 and 1865 on the Heldenplatz in front of the Hofburg, which adjoins Maria-Theresien-Platz on the other side of the Ring Road.

Emperor Franz Joseph I chose Zumbusch, who worked with his student Anton Brenek for around 13 years on the bronze sculptures, which weighed a total of 44 tons.

The content of the program for the monument came from Alfred von Arneth, Director of the Imperial House, Court and State Archives.

Four female figures sit on the cornice around the throne as allegorical embodiments of the 4 cardinal virtues of justice, strength, mildness and wisdom.

On each of the four sides of the plinth there is an arch field with a relief, and in front of it, a free-standing statue in a thematic context: The Empress' Advisers The Administrators The Military Science and Art On the diagonal axes, there are equestrian statues of four Field Marshals from the era of Maria Theresa surrounding the monument: A grand ceremony was held on 13 May 1888 to unveil the monument on the 171st birthday of the Empress.