Beneath the veil of gently cascading water stands a monument to a man and an era: the Duve-Brunnen. It is also known as the Sämann-Brunnen. This fountain isn’t just a pretty sight. It’s a tribute to Johann Duve. He was a 17th-century entrepreneur and councilor.
This magnificent fountain graces the Leibnizufer. It sits between the Old Town and the Calenberger Neustadt. The Duve-Brunnen was erected in 1916. It commemorates Johann Duve’s contributions to Hanover. Georg Herting, a sculptor from Linden, created this bronze figure. It depicts a sower casting seeds. The sower faces the fountain’s original location at Neustädter Markt.
In 1903, citizens of Hanover wanted to honor Johann Duve. He was born in 1611. They aimed to celebrate his 300th birthday. Duve was a successful merchant. He was also a benevolent councilor. A monument in the form of a fountain would recognize his merits. Donations were collected to finance the construction. The city of Hanover also contributed a large sum. “Duve Festivals” were held. An artist competition was launched. Georg Herting won with his design. The design’s motto was “And he went out to sow”.
Johann Duve contributed to Hanover’s urban expansion. He helped the city grow towards Calenberger Neustadt. Therefore, the fountain was to be erected in Neustädter Markt. However, there were obstacles. Another fountain already stood there. It is now known as the Schlossbrunnen. It had to be moved. A advertising pillar was obscured. An iron horse trough was obstructed. World War I began a year after the foundation stone was laid. Funds ran short. Finally, the Duve-Brunnen was inaugurated in August 1916. The celebration was modest.
During World War II, the bronze figure and putti were sent to Hamburg. This was part of a material collection for armaments. Fortunately, the “Sower” and his putti were spared from being melted down. After the war, the ensemble returned to Hanover unharmed. Only the bronze “Sower” made it back onto the Duve-Brunnen. It was placed at the Leibnizufer. The putti were deemed too old-fashioned. They were not reinstalled. The fountain shaft was reduced in size. The water bowl was flattened. On April 30, 1953, the fountain was put back into operation. The water no longer flows from small openings. It now falls gently over the edge like a veil.
Johann Duve’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. He traded in valuable cloth, grain, and lead during the Thirty Years’ War. Later, he amassed wealth through jewels, wool, wood, and hops. As a builder and councilor, he rebuilt mills. These mills were destroyed by Leine River floods. He also repaired the Kreuzkirche tower. It was damaged by a storm in 1630. Duve donated a new altar to the Marktkirche in 1663. He commissioned the Hof- und Stadtkirche St. Johannis. He initiated the construction of 40 houses in Rote Reihe. Johann Duve died in his house at the Marktkirche. This happened on September 2, 1679.
The “Sower” on the Duve-Brunnen is not a portrait of Johann Duve. A portrait medallion of him is on the stone fountain shaft. The “Sower” embodies Duve’s contributions. Duve sowed the seeds. He built houses and churches for the citizens. He then reaped the fruits of his labor. Another portrait medallion of Johann Duve is at the New Town Hall. The Johann-Duve-Weg connects parts of Hanover.