War Monument or War Memorial.
The “23er Denkmal” (monument) was built in 1930/31 to commemorate the 3,963 soldiers of the 23rd Bavarian Infantry Regiment who died in World War I. The ceremonial inauguration took place on 12. June 1931. The monument was designed by the sculptor Sepp Mages.
The imposing monument is made from 17 cubic meters of rock from the Olsbrücker quarry. It stands on a 5.31 meter high sandstone base, which is typical for the Palatinate region. The total height of the memorial is around 10 meters[4].
The monument serves as an important reminder of the immense losses suffered by the local community during the First World War.
In contrast, there is the sculpture “Krieger” (warrior), erected in 1996 and created by artist Bernhard Mathäss of Neustadt-Duttweiler.
The dedication to the memorial states:
Trotz des Titels handelt es sich nicht um ein Kriegerdenkmal, sondern eher um ein Kriegermahnmal. Die Figur ist verletzt und versucht sich mit ihrem Stahlpanzer zu schützen. Die Figur ist verletzt und versucht sich mit ihrem Stahlpanzer zu schützen. Dieser Panzer lässt auch an Gefieder denken. Ikaarus wäre auch ein möglicher Titel aber “Krieger” hat sich bei der Kunstmesse in Pirmasens und der Ausstellung in der Villa Böhm durchgesetzt. Vielleicht könnte er noch fliegen, wenn sein Gefieder nicht zur Panzerung mutiert wäre!”
Despite the title, it is not a war monument, but rather a war memorial. The figure is injured and is trying to protect itself with its steel armour. This armour also makes you think of feathers. Ikaarus would also be a possible title, but “Warrior” prevailed at the art fair in Pirmasens and the exhibition in Villa Böhm. Perhaps he could still fly if his feathers had not mutated into armour!”
The statue is part of Germany’s memorial culture, representing a period when communities created monuments to commemorate the fallen soldiers and victims of both World Wars. Such memorials were designed to express hope for peace while remembering the devastating toll of war.
The sculpture depicts an abstract soldier figure rendered in stone, showing a modernist interpretation of the human form. Its rough-textured surface and stark, minimalist design create a powerful emotional impact that reflects the somber nature of its purpose. The figure appears to be turning or twisting, which could symbolize the internal struggle and pain of war. These types of monuments serve multiple purposes in German society:
- They honor the memory of fallen soldiers and missing persons from both World Wars
- They act as warning memorials (Mahnmale) against war and terror
- They express hope for peace through artistic expression
It is interesting that the earlier monument elevates the characters, while the more contemporary memorial puts the figure at eye level.
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