Here stands a bronze replica of the Christus statue at Luisenfriedhof I cemetery in Berlin. This statue is more than just a beautiful sculpture. It carries a story of faith and artistic legacy.
The original Christus statue was created by Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1833. He crafted it from white Carrara marble. The statue found its home in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thorvaldsen was commissioned to create this masterpiece. It was part of a larger project. This included statues of Jesus and the apostles. The church had been destroyed by fire. It was being rebuilt, and Thorvaldsen contributed significantly to its restoration.
The original statue stands at an impressive 11-foot-4-inch tall. It shows Jesus with His hands spread. The wounds on His hands are visible, symbolizing His resurrection. The inscription at the base reads “Kommer til mig”. This means “Come unto me”. It references Matthew 11:28 in the Bible.
This Christus statue quickly gained fame. Replicas began appearing worldwide. Churches and cemeteries embraced its powerful imagery.
One replica found its place here in Berlin at Luisenfriedhof I cemetery. This version is made of bronze. It offers solace to those who visit this resting place. Another replica is located at Luisenfriedhof III cemetery, also in Berlin.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adopted images and replicas. They emphasized Jesus’s central role in their teachings. A replica was placed in the North Visitors’ Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. It weighed 12000 pounds.
Other replicas were created for expositions. One appeared at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Another was made for the Expo 1970 in Osaka, Japan.
The image of the Christus has become a symbol for the Church. It is used on webpages and in publications. This signifies the importance of Jesus in their faith.
As you stand before this bronze Christusstatue, consider its journey. From Copenhagen to Berlin, its message of hope and resurrection continues to resonate. The statue is a testament to Thorvaldsen’s artistry. It also shows the enduring power of faith.