Vienna - Beethoven Monument

The Beethoven Monument is the work of the Westphalian sculptor Kaspar von Zumbusch and dates from 1880. It stands in a little square in front of the Akademisches Gymnasium, one of the oldest and best humanistic schools in Vienna founded by the Jesuits in 1552, and former pupils include Arthur Schnitzler and Peter Altenberg. At the feet of the seated figure of the composer may be seen Prometheus in chains with the eagle pecking at his flesh. On the right stands Victory proffering a triumphal wreath, and all round are nine putti, representing Beethoven's nine symphonies. Formerly Beethoven's statue faced away from the River Wien, but since the little river was covered over it has faced the water.