Gaze upon this bronze bust of a man with a determined look. This is Philipp Franz von Siebold and this is the Siebold-Denkmal. It stands here in his honor in the Gärtchen on Geschwister-Scholl-Platz. Let me tell you the story behind this monument and the remarkable man it represents.
The Fränkische Gartenbauverein celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1882. To mark the occasion, they decided to honor Siebold with this memorial. The dedication took place on October 8, 1882. A lavish feast was held at Café Becke. Imagine the menu. Taikun soup with dumplings and Yedogawa pike with Japanese sauce. There was also Kunasiri hare roast and salads featuring aralia and aucuba. All washed down with local Franconian wines.
Professor Christian Roth created the Siebold-Denkmal in 1882. The bronze bust shows Siebold with a full beard. His chest is adorned with medals. The bust rests on a marble pedestal decorated with palm trees. Four putti surround it. Two are Asian and two are Franconian. Look closely at the details. The Asian putto on the right has butterfly wings and an Asian headdress. The one on the left has chopsticks in her hair. These details reflect Siebold’s deep connection to Japan. One Franconian putto carries grapes. The other has small wings and a doctor’s bag. This symbolizes Siebold’s profession as a physician.
You will also notice various animals represented. There is a snail, a lizard and two owls. Exotic and local plants are also part of the design. The inscription on the back of the marble base reads: “To the Explorer of Japan / the k.k. Horticultural Society in Vienna / and / His Admirers.” The k.k. Gartenbau-Gesellschaft refers to the imperial and royal horticultural society. Today it is the Austrian Horticultural Society.
The bust itself was cast by Miller in Munich. The name Miller is inscribed on the plinth. Siebold was not only a physician but also an ethnologist and botanist from Würzburg. His dedication to exploring Japan made him famous. His work bridged cultures and brought new understanding between East and West.
Consider visiting the Siebold Museum. It is located at Frankfurter Straße 87. The museum is housed in the former director’s villa of the Würzburg Bürgerbräu. Inside you can explore exhibits from Siebold’s life in both Germany and Japan. You’ll discover more about his family. They were also renowned doctors and scholars in Würzburg. Special exhibitions and changing displays offer even deeper insights. The museum opened on July 3, 1995. It is maintained by the Siebold Society. The Siebold Museum is part of the protected monument complex “Würzburger Bürgerbräu”.
The Siebold-Denkmal is more than just a statue. It’s a reminder of a man who dedicated his life to discovery. He connected cultures and expanded our understanding of the world. As you stand here take a moment to reflect on Siebold’s legacy. His work continues to inspire us to explore and learn.