Art
New windows in Caspar David’s Friedrich’s baptismal church
Greifswald Cathedral now has a group of windows redesigned by Ólafur Elíasson. photo
© Bernd Wüstneck/dpa
Greifswald Cathedral is getting a new treasure: the Easter windows shimmer in numerous colors and show the city’s connection to the famous romantic Caspar David Friedrich.
Schwesig emphasized that the famous romantic Friedrich not only addressed people as an audience with his art. He also influences artists from all over the world. The inaugurated work of art consists of the windows themselves, but also of a system of mirrors that illuminate the interior of the cathedral and its visitors.
Today the cathedral, which has been an important place for the Hanseatic city for 800 years, is a reflection of the city’s diverse history, said Schwesig. “A significant portion of the cost of the renovation was raised through donations.” The state is also pleased that it was able to support Caspar David Friedrich’s anniversary year and the restoration of the cathedral.
Warm light
“I congratulate the cathedral community on their new, great treasure,” emphasized Bishop Tilman Jeremias in his sermon. “I take my hat off to everyone who set their sights on this enormous project, persistently dreamed of it and defended it against some resistance.” He would like to thank everyone who supported these windows materially and intellectually.
The church windows designed by the well-known contemporary artist Elíasson are located in the east choir of St. Nikolai Cathedral. 3,383 mouth-blown panes in 65 colors form a special homage to the world-famous romantic painter in Caspar David Friedrich’s baptismal church.
According to Eliásson, the color gradient is based on Friedrich’s painting “Hutten’s Grave” and bathes the building in a warm light. This year, many places in Germany are remembering the painter, who was born in Greifswald on the Baltic Sea, and whose 250th birthday is being celebrated this year.