The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-13
THE LUTHER STATUE.
Description of the Memorial Unveiled at
Eisleben on Saturday.


Eisleben on Saturday.
New York Herald.
The statue of Luther which was unveiled
on Saturday at Esleben, in the market
square, before st, Andrews Church, is the
work of one of Germany's most celebrated
sculptors, Rudolf Siemering OF Berlin. 1t
consists OF bronze statue of the great Re-
former, which stands on granite pedestal,
on which are four bas-reliefs representing
scenes from his life. Luther is represented
in energetic and even dramatic pose. with
his right hand raised in the act OF throwing
the papal bull into the flames and his left
casping to his heart Bible The first of
the bas-relefs, which are rectangular in
shape, with the figures in half length, ap-
pearing in arched openings, represent the
Triumph OF the Reformation" An angel
with half-spread wings looks calmly
down at a genius OF evil who is writhing un-
der the weight of shield bearing Luther's
arms which is being pressed down on him.
The evil genius lies half on his back, with
one foot raised and pressed against the figure
OF the angel With his left arm he strives to
remove the shield which crushes him down.
He aazes with glaring eyes, omen mouth and
cOntorted features at the angel of the re-
formation. The hair of his head is snake
like and it also grows about his lons and
down MS legs. very decded tail falls over
in front of his body. His figure is naked,
while that OF the angel is clad in loose robes
which fall in picturesqe folds from the arms.
The composition OF this group is very agreea-
bic, especially the arrangement OF the figure
of the angel, with his long curling hair, his
graceful wings and well disposed costume
The shield he holds bears in a circle the coat
OF arms OF the Rcformer
The second bas-relief shows Luther in dis
cussion with DR.. Eek. Behind them, in a
slight recess in the hall and against a curtain
is placed a figure OF Christ on the cross
Above this is the date 1919. Both figures
are seen in half length, as if at a window.
Dr. Eek is on the lett, and is clad in rich
robes, with a broad furred collar. His long
hair is half covered by a skull cap and his
lett hand raised in argument, while the right
one is placed on the papal bull, which lies
on the stone sill. Luther is on the right.
His face, also seen in profile, is turned full to
his opponent and is very determined in ex-
preston. He is clad in his monkish robes,
has his cowl thrown back and is still tom
sured He clasps his Bible to his breast,
holding it with both hands, This group is
particularly good in expression, the thin face
OF Eek telling well against the much fuller
one of Luther Tie four hands, as we'll as
the faces express the character of the dis
putants. In the third bas-relief Luther
is shown in his study engaged in the
translation of the Bible. Behind him
is closed window, with round panes. Above
this is the date 1921, and at it is side on
bracket supported bv a carved cherub, stands
an hour-glass. Luther, who is clad in gown
and wears slashed sleeves, has on his head
| the picturesque loose soft cloth cap of the
time, He bends to look at an illustrated
Bible which is proped up on desk, and Is