Hear the call of Der Rufer. This bronze giant stands before us. He is a figure of immense presence. A silent sentinel guarding the Weser River.
Der Rufer is more than just a statue. It’s a powerful symbol. Created in 1967 by Gerhard Marcks it was originally commissioned for Radio Bremen. The artist intended Der Rufer to represent the timeless task of broadcasting. The message is universal. It transcends the technology of its time.
The figure is based on Stentor from Homer’s Iliad. Stentor’s voice was said to be as loud as fifty men. Der Rufer echoes that strength. His hands are cupped to his mouth. He seems to be shouting a message to the world.
Interestingly the meaning of Der Rufer’s call is not fixed. In Bremen he is a symbol of communication. However in Perth Australia a similar statue stands as a memorial to torture victims. This shows the universality of suffering. It shows the power of art to speak across cultures.
Originally Der Rufer stood at Radio Bremen’s Osterholz location. After almost forty years he was moved. His relocation to the Schlachte was quite an undertaking. A rusted support in his leg needed replacing. A protective wax coating was also applied. This protected him from pollution.
Now Der Rufer stands proudly overlooking the Weser. He is a beacon. His powerful pose. His enduring message. They speak of resilience. They speak of hope. He is a reminder that even a silent statue can speak volumes. He calls for peace and freedom of expression. His voice will forever resonate across the city. And indeed across the world.