The sculptor Ernst Barlach will receive a monument in his adopted home of many years, Güstrow. In May, the 2.40 meter high bronze sculpture is to be unveiled on the square between the castle, the city museum and the theatre.
Güstrow (dpa / mv) - The expressionist sculptor Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) gets a monument in Güstrow. The larger-than-life bronze statue is currently being made in a foundry in the region. The approximately 2.40 tall sculpture is cast in seven individual parts, which are then assembled, as the artist Henning Spitzer told the German Press Agency on Tuesday. According to him, the unveiling is planned for May, and the city of Güstrow is currently preparing the space between the castle, theater and museum for it.
Since 2016, the artist has been working on the idea of a memorial for Barlach, who lived in Güstrow from 1910 until his death. Barlach's studio house has been preserved on the Inselsee. This is where the Ernst Barlach Foundation Güstrow is based, and exhibitions on the life and work of the artist, who became known, among other things, for memorials to the First World War, are held. Barlach also emerged as a graphic artist and writer.
The starting point for him was a photograph showing old Barlach with a hat, cane and cape over his shoulder in front of the Gertrude chapel in Güstrow, said Spitzer. He dealt intensively with Barlach's personality and tried to reflect the introspection of the famous artist.
He gave his draft to the city of Güstrow, said the 51-year-old Spitzer. The cost of the casting was funded by donations. With a wall thickness of 0.5 to 1 centimeter, the sculpture will ultimately weigh around 250 kilograms.
