Verfassungssäule Sculpture

Amidst the bustling city of Stuttgart, a silent sentinel stands. The Verfassungssäule, a pillar of stone and principle, watches over the Landgericht. The Verfassungssäule isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a testament to the very foundation of Baden-Württemberg. Erected in 1956, this monument embodies the spirit of the state’s constitution, adopted just a few years prior in 1953. The Verfassungssäule is a collaborative masterpiece, brought to life by sculptors Hermann Brachert and Hermann Kress. Brachert, a former student of renowned architect Paul Bonatz, conceived the initial design. Kress, a student of sculptor Adolf Brüllmann, skillfully sculpted the figure atop the column. This figure, known as the “Genius of Legal Peace,” holds a lictor’s bundle, a symbol of judicial authority. With one hand raised in a gesture of defense, the figure treads upon a serpent, representing evil. Look closely at the base of the Verfassungssäule. Six limestone blocks form its foundation. Each block bears an inscription. These inscriptions are not random markings. They are excerpts from Article 1 of the Baden-Württemberg constitution, etched into the stone for all to see. This article, the very first of the constitution, outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people. The Verfassungssäule stands as a constant reminder of these principles. It serves as a symbol of hope and resilience in the heart of Stuttgart.