ELISE

Throughout history, countless women have influenced the development of cities, yet only a handful are represented in urban landscapes.

The team led by curators Tabitha Nagy, Amadea Pely, and Anne Wichmann, in collaboration with the Worms Equal Opportunities Office and backed by the Worms City Archives, have designed a virtual monument tour highlighting five significant women from Worms, Germany.

One such influential figure is Elise Blenker (1824 - 1908), also known as the “Amazon of Worms." A rare female participant in the Revolution of 1848, Elise was celebrated for her bravery and resilience. She and her husband commanded a volunteer corps to protect the Frankfurt Constitution, with aspirations of breaking away from the Kingdom of Bavaria. Elise's unconventional attire, notably her trousers and riding boots, garnered both admiration and aversion from her contemporaries. Following the rebellion's collapse, Elise and her husband sought refuge in the USA. Sadly, after her husband's passing, Elise lived in straitened circumstances. The couple had four children.

For this exhibition, we crafted a 3D representation of Elise, drawing from the scant resources available. With assistance from the local library, we delved into 19th-century documents detailing her attire and mannerisms. Using a lone image believed to be of Elise Blenker, we shaped her facial and bodily features. Her hairstyle was inferred from historical references relevant to women of her era. Subsequent research revealed her preference for a masculine uniform, complete with two belt-bound pistols, a shotgun, and the iconic “Hecker hat.”

Franz Nöldeke (publisher), "Madame Blenker." (Elise Blenker), 1849, Wien Museum Inv.-Nr. 87440/3, CC0

The Augmented Reality monument of Elise Blenker will be displayed in the public realm of Worms, situated at the Lutherplatz in Parmaplatz, from September 2023 to September 2024.

Elise is an Augmented Reality monument and 3D sculpture by Tanky and C03RA. 3D artist: Camilo Velliovich. Curated by Tabitha Nagy, Amadea Pely, and Anne Wichmann, in collaboration with the Worms Equal Opportunities Office and backed by the Worms City Archives