Hidden in plain sight, the Gutenberg Statue stands proudly. It’s not just a statue. It’s a tribute to a man who revolutionized the world. The Gutenberg Statue in Vienna commemorates Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. This unassuming figure, erected in 1900, holds a special place in Viennese history. The statue’s location, near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, speaks to Gutenberg’s impact on European culture. The monument captures Gutenberg in a simple pose, one hand on his hip, as if surveying the changes he wrought. The inscription “Post Nubila Phoebus” (After clouds, comes the sun) reflects the enlightening power of his invention. The reliefs on the plinth further illustrate this theme. A broken column symbolizes the dark ages. A sleeping wanderer represents humanity before Gutenberg’s awakening. A laurel tree embodies the success and fame that followed. Emperor Franz Joseph himself attended the unveiling ceremony, a testament to the importance of this event. Interestingly, the Austrian National Library, right here in Vienna, possesses one of Gutenberg’s original bibles. The sculptor, Hans Bitterlich, dedicated two and a half years to crafting this bronze masterpiece. The architect Max Fabiani designed the pedestal. Both men left their mark on Vienna with other notable works. The Gutenberg Statue in Vienna isn’t just a monument to a man. It’s a monument to the power of knowledge and the dawn of a new era.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to