Imagine a time of great religious upheaval. Today we stand before the Reformationsdenkmal in Stuttgart. This monument commemorates the 400th anniversary of Martin Luther’s pivotal act. He posted his Ninety-five Theses.
The Reformationsdenkmal was created in 1917. Theodor Fischer designed the monument. Jakob Brüllmann, a sculptor with several works in Stuttgart, executed it. Local Crailsheim muschelkalk was used as material.
Notice how the Reformationsdenkmal differs from others. It uniquely places Christ, not Luther, at its center. The resurrected Christ is holding a victory flag. He stands between statues of Martin Luther and Johannes Brenz. Brenz was the Reformer of Württemberg.
The Christ figure is about 2.30 meters tall. It thrones on a 3-meter-high base. The base bears the inscription: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Symbolic figures of the four evangelists are above. Matthew and Mark are represented by a man and a lion on the left. Luke and John are represented by a bull and an eagle on the right. The dark space between the figures symbolizes the tomb. Jesus rose from it.
Above the evangelists is a sarcophagus. The burial of Jesus is depicted on the front. Each side features a medallion. It shows a cross. This symbolizes Christ’s crucifixion.
Martin Luther sits to Christ’s right. Johannes Brenz sits to Christ’s left. These figures are about 1.90 meters tall. They sit without backrests.
Take a closer look at the rear wall. The wall reliefs depict scenes from the reformers’ lives. Also observe the inscriptions. They commemorate the Reformation and the monument’s dedication.
During World War II, the Christ figure was damaged. Emil Brüllmann, Jakob’s son, reconstructed it later.
Note the nine chestnut trees lining Hospitalplatz. In 2010, architect Arno Lederer suggested cutting them down. He wanted to improve the monument’s visibility. His proposal was rejected.
The Reformationsdenkmal is not about grandiosity. It reflects a more modest Swabian scale. It offers a powerful message. It emphasizes the spiritual heart of the Reformation. It is a reminder of faith and renewal.