Metal and memories merge before us here at Das Gewehr zerbrechen Sculpture. This sculpture is more than just metal. It embodies a powerful message of peace.
Das Gewehr zerbrechen Sculpture stands on the Ernst-Friedrich-Promenade. It is right in front of the Anti-Kriegs-Museum. The sculpture dramatically depicts a human figure. This figure is breaking a rifle over its head. The artist, Antonio Monitillo, created this artwork in 2005.
Notice the figure’s stance. It is upright and secure. The left leg is angled providing stability. The figure stands on a rough natural stone. Monitillo used various metal pieces from industry. He also incorporated found metal objects. These pieces were welded together. They are anchored to form a human-like shape.
The broken rifle symbolizes peace. It expresses an antimilitarist stance. This symbol is universally understood. Look closely at the stone beneath the figure. A plaque commemorates Ernst Friedrich. He was a writer and pacifist. Friedrich founded the world’s first Anti-Kriegs-Museum in 1925. The plaque features an engraving of a broken rifle too.
Monitillo’s signature is etched on a bronze plate. You can find it at the base. The bronze plaque reads: “ERNST-FRIEDRICH-PROMENADE / E. FRIEDRICH / 1894 -1967 / [Motiv des zerbrochenen Gewehrs mit zwei Händen] / Pazifist und Gründer des weltweit ersten / Anti-Kriegs-Museums / in Berlin Mitte.”
Das Gewehr zerbrechen is made of various metals. These include industrial parts. The base is natural stone. The plaque is bronze. The sculpture is welded and mounted. It is also anchored and colored. The plaque is cast and inlaid.
The sculpture was erected on October 1, 2005. It serves as a tribute to Ernst Friedrich. He was a key figure in the peace movement. The sculpture is a powerful reminder of his work.
Consider the history of the broken rifle symbol. It dates back to the early 20th century. It became the logo for War Resisters International. This organization is the largest network of war resisters. The symbol represents pacifism. It also stands for antimilitarism.
Ernst Friedrich used the broken rifle in his work. He used it to promote his book “Krieg dem Kriege.” This book was a photo documentation of World War I. Friedrich’s Anti-Kriegs-Museum displayed the symbol too. The Nazis destroyed the museum in 1933. It was reopened in Berlin-Wedding in 1982.
Otto Pankok created a woodcut called “Christus zerbricht das Gewehr.” This artwork adds a religious dimension to the symbol. It was popular in peace movements.
Das Gewehr zerbrechen continues to inspire. It stands as a testament to the power of peace. Take a moment to reflect on its message. Let it resonate as we continue our tour.