“ Apart from the excellence of Gottfried Kinkel's poetry, or the aptitude to conceive noble thoughts and give them exquisite color, it is to be said that the man was of singular erudition, and in closest sympathy with Greek art. It is not always those having the poetic temperament who are the men of action. But Kinkel not alone gave to Germany a patriotic impetus, but was ready to sacrifice himself in behalf of his country. ”

“ His was a tempered liberalism, and when the storm of 1848 arose he stood among the first as the defender of the rights of the German people. He is described as a man of splendid form, and endowed with an eloquence which stirred the masses. ”

“ The idea Kinkel conceives is a charming one. A Greek sculptor goes to the wars, has followed Alexander, and returns to his home. He still longs for that great happiness “ the one of creation. Unknown he finds refuge in the workroom of an old friend, who is a great sculptor. Seeing a lump of clay, the artist soldier begins his work. ”