Statue of Johannes Gutenberg in Strasbourg
The Statue of Johannes Gutenberg in Strasbourg stands as a significant monument dedicated to the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, the pioneering inventor of the movable-type printing press. This statue is located at Place Gutenberg, a square named in his honor in the city of Strasbourg, France.
Historical Context
Johannes Gutenberg, born Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg, around 1393 in Mainz, was a German inventor and craftsman. He is best known for his revolutionary invention of the movable-type printing press around 1440, an innovation that catalyzed the Printing Revolution and played a crucial role in the spread of Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment ideas across Europe.
Though Gutenberg was born in Mainz, it was in Strasbourg, between 1430 and 1440, that he conducted his early experiments with movable type. His work in this city laid the groundwork for the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed using mass-produced movable metal type, a significant event in the history of the printed word.
Description of the Statue
The statue was sculpted by David d'Angers, a renowned French sculptor, and was installed in 1840. The statue poignantly captures Gutenberg holding a page of the Scriptures, with the phrase "and there was light" inscribed in French. This phrase symbolizes the illumination and enlightenment brought about by the advent of the printed word.
The statue of Gutenberg in Strasbourg is not the only one commemorating his legacy. In his birthplace of Mainz, another notable statue was created by Bertel Thorvaldsen, a Danish neo-classicist sculptor, in 1837. The near contemporaneous creation of these statues by two different artists presents a fascinating contrast, highlighting the shift in artistic style from neo-classicism to the more expressive and dynamic approach of d'Angers.
Significance
The statue of Johannes Gutenberg in Strasbourg serves not only as a homage to a man whose inventions transformed the world, but also as a reminder of the city's historical importance in the field of printing. Gutenberg’s innovations laid the foundation for the mass communication era and the rapid dissemination of knowledge, which has shaped modern society in countless ways.
In addition to its historical significance, the statue is a popular tourist attraction in Strasbourg, drawing visitors interested in history, art, and the profound impact of Gutenberg's work.