Here at the harbor entrance stands a figure of satire. This is the Imperia statue in Konstanz. The Imperia commemorates the Council of Constance. This council occurred between 1414 and 1418.
The Imperia statue is nine meters high. It weighs 18 tons. The statue is made of concrete. Peter Lenk created it. It was erected clandestinely in 1993. The Imperia stands on a pedestal. This pedestal rotates once every four minutes.
The statue’s erection caused controversy. However, it stands on private property. The rail company owning the property didn’t object. Eventually, it became a landmark of Konstanz. The Imperia is now widely known.
The Imperia statue depicts a woman. She holds two men on her hands. These men resemble Pope Martin V and Emperor Sigismund. Martin V was elected during the council. Sigismund called the council. The men wear a papal tiara and an imperial crown. Lenk stated the figures are not the Pope or Emperor. He said they are fools. These fools acquired insignia of secular and spiritual power. He leaves it to viewers to decide. They can decide if real popes and emperors were also fools.
The statue refers to Balzac’s short story “La Belle Impéria”. The story satirizes Catholic clergy morals. Imperia seduces cardinals and princes. This happens at the Council of Constance. She has power over them all.
The historical Imperia inspired Balzac’s story. She was an educated Italian courtesan. She died in 1512. This was nearly 100 years after the council. She never visited Konstanz.
The Imperia statue reminds us of history. It prompts questions about power. It makes us consider morality. The Imperia is a symbol. It symbolizes Konstanz itself.
The statue’s base has an older function. It integrates a pegel measuring station. This station dates back to 1816. It’s the oldest in Baden-Württemberg.
The Imperia rotates. It offers different views. Each view provokes new thoughts. The statue became a tourist attraction quickly. It is possibly the largest monument to a prostitute worldwide.
During the Corona pandemic, someone put a mask on the Imperia. The artist Peter Lenk did not like this. He called it a cheap gag. He also said it was dangerous. However, social networks had positive comments too. The city of Konstanz even used Imperia with a mask. This was part of their Corona campaign.
The Imperia stands as a symbol of Konstanz. It embodies satire and history. It has become an icon of the city.