Gazing upon the Großer Kniender, what do you feel? This sculpture embodies both humility and pride. The Großer Kniender stands before us as a testament to human vulnerability and strength.
Hermann Blumenthal created this bronze figure in 1937. He was living in Florence, Italy at the time. Thus, it is also known as Florentiner Mann. The Großer Kniender embodies a concentrated posture with clarity and precision. Instead of depicting a heroic figure, Blumenthal presented a sensitive young man.
He is kneeling. His torso is upright. His arms are crossed over his head. The Großer Kniender gazes forward. This pose conveys both humility and an inner strength. The Großer Kniender does not tell a story. Instead, it thematizes pure human existence and inner fortitude.
The Großer Kniender is located on Rothenbaumchaussee. It stands in front of the NDR broadcasting building. You can find another cast of the Großer Kniender in Essen’s Grugapark. A third cast resides in Washington D.C. at the National Collection of Fine Arts. In 1955, Germany gifted it as thanks for post-war aid.
Hermann Blumenthal was born in Essen in 1905. He trained as a stone sculptor. Later, he studied at the United State Schools for Free and Applied Arts. Edwin Scharff became his master. Blumenthal received the City of Cologne Prize in 1929. In 1930, he won the Prussian Academy of Arts’ Grand State Prize. This award included a Villa Massimo scholarship in Rome.
Under the influence of classical art, Blumenthal developed his style. His sculptures often featured figures in calm poses. These figures were sitting, kneeling, or standing. In late 1934, he joined the Klosterstraße studio community in Berlin. Official circles viewed his work critically. Despite these challenges, he received stipends to study in Rome and Florence. Düsseldorf awarded him the Cornelius Prize in 1939.
Tragically, Hermann Blumenthal died in Russia in 1942 during military service. After his death, his work was featured at the documenta 1 exhibition in Kassel in 1955. The Großer Kniender is part of a tour. This tour explores the historic NDR grounds and is available by appointment.
Take a moment to appreciate the Großer Kniender. It reflects the complexities of human nature. It captures a moment of contemplation and resilience. The sculpture invites us to reflect on our own inner strength. The Großer Kniender is a symbol of hope amidst adversity.