jacobus-sculpture-goettingen

The Jacobus sculpture in Göttingen is a striking contemporary monument located on the eastern side of the Jacobikirchhof, near Jüdenstraße. The piece was created by the sculptor Bernd Löning from Bad Gandersheim and was installed in 2008. It was donated by Gisela Hyllus, owner of the Galerie Alte Feuerwache, as an artistic contribution to the city's public space.

The figure represents Saint James the Greater, the patron saint of pilgrims and the namesake of the adjacent St. Jacobi Church. As Göttingen is situated on the historical Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), the sculpture serves as an important landmark and symbol of the long tradition of pilgrimage in the region. The depiction eschews delicate details in favor of a powerful, almost archaic formal language, symbolizing the endurance of faith and the arduous journey of pilgrims.

Technically, the work is characterized by the use of concrete, a material Bernd Löning prefers for his creations. The artist, who began his career as a self-taught sculptor, is known for his works on the boundary between applied and fine arts. The robust nature of the material gives the sculpture a modern aesthetic that creates a compelling contrast with the Gothic architecture of the neighboring church.