Have you noticed the inscription at the base of \u201eDie S\u00e4erin\u201c? It reads: \u201eZur Erinnerung an die hochherzige Stifterin auf der Margarethenh\u00f6he, Frau A.F. Krupp.\u201c Let me tell you more about this impressive bronze sculpture.
\u201eDie S\u00e4erin\u201c stands as a symbol for Margarethe Krupp. This 2.30-meter-high bronze figure is located on Hauxplatz. The sculpture embodies the spirit of the benefactor. Margarethe Krupp laid the foundation for the new settlement in Essen. She provided not only the land but also the initial impetus.
The artwork is by Josef Enseling. It serves as a lasting reminder of Margarethe Krupp’s generosity. The writing on the base might seem unusual today. It reflects the customs of the time. Women were often referred to by their husband’s first name. In this case, it is Alfred Friedrich Krupp.
Margarethe Krupp initiated the settlement project on the occasion of her daughter Bertha’s wedding in 1906. Her goal was to create attractive housing. This was not only for employees of the Krupp Group.
After Margarethe Krupp’s death in 1931, the statue was commissioned. It was unveiled in 1934. \u201eDie S\u00e4erin\u201c has been an important part of Hauxplatz ever since. The Hauxplatz invites you to linger and play. It features a children’s playground, fountain, benches and boules tracks.
Margaretheh\u00f6he is considered a prime example of a modern settlement. It was built between 1909 and 1938. The garden city is a monument of great European importance. Margarethe Krupp promoted a life in the green. This meant settlements with gardens for self-sufficiency, parks and small industry. The single-family house with garden became the ideal form of living.
The city of Essen built the fountain as a thank you to the founder. Its engraving says: \u201eGrabt Sch\u00e4tze nicht mit dem Spaten, sucht sie in edlen Taten\u201c. Translated, this means \u201cDo not dig treasures with the spade, look for them in noble deeds.\u201d
In 2019, \u201eDie S\u00e4erin\u201c was temporarily moved to the Ruhrmuseum. It was part of the exhibition \u201eAufbruch im Westen. Die K\u00fcnstlersiedlung Margarethenh\u00f6he\u201c. This exhibition showcased sculptures from the garden city. Michael Flachmann and Prof. Theo Gr\u00fctter carefully transported \u201eDie S\u00e4erin\u201c to the museum.
\u201eDie S\u00e4erin\u201c is more than just a sculpture. It represents the vision and generosity of Margarethe Krupp. The statue also reminds us of the importance of community and the enduring legacy of Margarethenh\u00f6he.