Graz
Steiermark
Universitätsplatz
|
Statuen am Hauptgebäude der Universität
Statues at the University Main Building
|
Various sculptors
1893-94
|
Description
The main building of the Graz University has ten statues, two of the founders in niches in the central avant-corps, and eight on the balustrade of the attica.
Avant-corps, both by Brandstetter:
1 |
2 |
- Erzherzog Karl II. von Innerösterreich / Charles II, Archduke of Austria (Wien 1540 - Graz 1590), Archduke of Austria and ruler of Inner Austria (Styria, Carniola and Carinthia) from 1564. Founder of the University of Graz in 1585 (Wikipedia) (statue dates from 1893).
- Kaiser Franz I von Österreich / Emperor Francis I of Austria (Florence 1768 - Wien 1835), as Francis II the last Holy Roman Emperor (1792-1806) and
as Francis I the first Emperor of Austria (1804-1835); he re-founded the Graz university in 1827 after its abolition in 1782 by Emperor Joseph II (Wikipedia) (statue dates from 1894).
Above each of them is a niche with an eagle as symbols for the 'high flight of science'.
On the balustrade of the attica are eight statues of scholars, representing progressive scientific spirit, revolutionary research and global thinking, from left to right:
- Aristoteles / Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), Greek philosopher (Wikipedia).
- Sankt Augustinus / Saint Augustine (354 - 430), Bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria), philosopher and theologian; his writings were very influential in the development of Western Christianity
(Wikipedia).
- Hugo Grotius (Hugo de Groot) (Delft 1583 - Rostock 1645), Dutch jurist, laid the foundations for international law (Wikipedia).
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (Leipzig 1646 - Hannover 1716), German mathematician and philosopher. He occupies a prominent place in the history of mathematics and the history of philosophy (Wikipedia).
- Sir Isaac Newton (Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, Lincoln, 1643 - Kensington, 1727), English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian
(Wikipedia).
- Immanuel Kant (Königsberg in Prussia / Kaliningrad, Russia 1724 - id. 1804), German philosopher who researched, lectured and wrote on philosophy and anthropology during the Enlightenment (Wikipedia).
- Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452 - Amboise 1519), Italian painter, sculptor, architect, etc. (Wikipedia).
- Hippocrates (c. 460 - c. 370 BC), ancient Greek physician; considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine
(Wikipedia).
Sculptors of these statues are:
- Hans Brandstetter: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10
- Emanuel Pendl: 5 and 8
- Rudolf Vital: 6 and 7
Sculptors
- Hans Brandstetter (Michlbach, Gemeinde Hitzendorf, Steiermark, 1854 - Graz 1925),
Austrian sculptor
(Wikipedia).
- Emanuel Pendl (Merano 1845 - Wien 1927),
Austrian sculptor
(Wikipedia).
- Rudolf Vital,
Austrian sculptor.
Sources & Information
- Stefan Riesenfellner (Herausg.), Steinernes Bewusstsein I: die öffentliche Repräsentation staatlicher und nationaler Identität Österreichs in seinen Denkmälern (Wien: Bählau, 1998), pp. 192-193.
- Karl-Franzen-Universität, Kunst auf dem Campus.
Tags
Locatie (N 47°4'39" - E 15°26'58") (Satellite view: Google Maps)
Item Code: atst102; Photograph: 6 September 2016
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt
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