Ever wondered why a mineral bath in Stuttgart carries the name Römische Erinnerung? The answer lies deeper than just hygiene. This is the Römische Erinnerung Sculpture. It is part of a larger artistic concept.
The Römische Erinnerung, or Roman Memory, is not just a sculpture. It is a comprehensive design. It encompasses the interior and exterior of the Mineralbad Leuze. This was a project by the artist Otto Herbert Hajek. He worked on it from 1979 to 1983. The city of Stuttgart commissioned it.
Hajek himself explained the name. He said he named the entire design Römische Erinnerung. This was to highlight the mineral bath’s special character. Romans bathed here long ago. Their culture saw baths as more than just hygiene. A bath was a meeting place. It was a place where culture celebrated humanity in all its diversity.
The Leuzebad exemplifies integrating art into architecture. Architects Geier + Geier collaborated with Hajek. They included his artistic vision from the beginning. This led to the unique character of the facility. Mayor Dr. Manfred Rommel initiated Hajek’s involvement. His initiative was bold and forward-thinking.
The Römische Erinnerung includes wall designs inside and outside the bath. It features pavement designs. It also incorporates several sculptures. The Raumzeichen 1 sculpture stands near the main entrance. This entrance opened in 1842. Natural stone blocks frame the steel sculpture. Its colors match Hajek’s Raumzeichen series. These colors also appear in his Stadtzeichen and Zeichen-Raumfeld works.
Archaeological discoveries support the Roman connection. A snake-bodied Roman-German deity sculpture was found in Stuttgart. This was at the Roman fort. The find dates back to 100 to 150 AD. It was when a cavalry unit occupied the fort. Later, a civilian settlement thrived until around 260 AD.
The deity statue is a hybrid creature. It combines Roman and Germanic beliefs. Experts believe it was part of a Jupiter-Giant column. These columns displayed Jupiter riding a horse. A crouching figure lay beneath. This symbolized Jupiter’s power over nature.
The Römische Erinnerung sculpture and the surrounding design connect us. They connect us to Stuttgart’s Roman past. They remind us of a time when baths were cultural hubs. They celebrated community and well-being. As you stand here take a moment to appreciate this blend of art history. Consider the layers of culture beneath your feet.