• Art & Places,  Heidelberg,  sculpture

    Art & Places: Madonna at Kornmarkt, Heidelberg, Germany

    “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” ~Michelangelo.

     

    madonna

    In the case of the beautiful baroque statue above, it was sculpted  by Peter von den Branden in 1718.

    Known as Madonna of the Corn Market (Kornmart in German language), this statue still stands proudly in the Kornmarkt, where she is appreciated not only for her religious meaning, but her artistic as well.

    As Mary (Maria) became the patron saint of Catholic belief in the Palatinate, this statue was built by the Jesuits for The Prince Elector, who was trying to persuade the people of Heidelberg to switch to Catholicism. He failed as many of the Protestants preferred to migrate out of Heidelberg.

    Mary demonstrates three typical characteristics of this period: Queen of Heaven, a virgin and Lady of Victory. She stands with her baby (Jesus) in hand on a gilded round cloud formation supported by four cherubs. The baby has his right hand raised in a blessing gesture wile his left hand holding a spear in the head of the snake dragon which represents the Protestants.

    The statue stands on a pedestal base (7.38m high) equipped with three fountains bowls and was created in red sandstone. Other materials include various metals such as copper, brass and iron.

    Information source:
    Tourism Heidelberg – Madonna of the Corn Market

    Wikipedia – Madonna Kornmarkt
    Databank – Konrmarkt Madonna