Perhaps you’ve walked past the Hygieia Statue before without realizing its somber story. It stands here as a reminder of a dark chapter in Hamburg’s history. This statue is not just a pretty fountain. It is a memorial to a devastating epidemic.
The Hygieia Statue commemorates the cholera epidemic of 1892. Over 8,000 people in Hamburg died during this tragic time. The statue was erected as a symbol of remembrance and a call for improved public health. Joseph von Kramer, a sculptor from Munich, designed the statue. His brother Theodor von Kramer was an architect. Together, they created this beautiful and meaningful monument.
Originally, the fountain was to feature Mercury. He is the god of trade. However, the city decided to change the design after the cholera outbreak. They chose Hygieia. She is the Greek goddess of health and hygiene. She lends her name to the word “hygiene”.
Look closely at the statue. Hygieia stands tall. She holds a bowl. Water flows from the bowl into the fountain below when the fountain is working. At her feet, you’ll see a dragon. This dragon symbolizes the defeated cholera. The statue shows Hygieia as the victor over disease.
Around the base of the fountain, six bronze figures sit. Each figure represents different uses of water. There is a man with a ship. There is a woman with a wreath. Also, there is a man with a fish. You can also spot a woman with a jug. A faun holds a shell. Lastly, a woman gazes into a mirror. These figures highlight water’s importance to life and commerce.
The fountain has a practical function, too. Notice the openings at the base. Air is drawn through these openings. It helps to cool the interior of the Hamburg Rathaus. The moving water provides a natural cooling effect. So, the Hygieia Statue not only commemorates health but also contributes to it.
The Hygieia Statue serves as a potent reminder. It reminds us of the importance of public health. It reminds us of the devastating impact of epidemics. Also, it stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The statue is a beautiful work of art. It is a testament to Hamburg’s determination to overcome adversity. It also serves as a practical component of the Rathaus’ climate control system. The Hygieia Statue embodies both beauty and purpose.