Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Holy Virgin.” Rather than telling a particular Bible story, this is a general scene, designed
to meet the personal devotional needs of any worshipper.
Nature is not a backdrop; Mary and Jesus are encircled by it. Schongauer's robins,
sparrows,andgoldfinchesbringextralifetoanalreadyimpressivelynaturalrosebush.The
white rose (over Mary's right shoulder) anticipates Jesus' crucifixion. The frame, with its
angelic orchestra, dates only from 1900 and feels to me a bit over-the-top.
The painting was located in the Church of St. Martin until 1972, when it was stolen.
After being recovered, it was moved to the better-protected Dominican Church. Detailed
English explanations are to the right of the painting as you face it. The contrast provided
by the simple Dominican setting heightens the elegance of this Gothic masterpiece.
As for the rest of the church, the columns are thin to allow worshippers to see the
preacher, even if the place is packed. The windows are precious 14th-century originals de-
pictingblack-cladDominicanmonksbusypreaching.Noticehowwindowsfacethesunon
the southside while the northside iswalled against the cloister.Ifyoulookat the columns
in the rear of the nave, you can see how 14th-century Colmar's street level was about two
feet below today's.
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Bartholdi Museum
Thislittle museum recalls thelife andworkofthelocal boywhogained fame bysculpting
America's much-loved Statue of Liberty. Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) was a
dynamic painter/photographer/sculptor with a passion for the defense of liberty and free-
dom. Although Colmar was his home, he spent most of his career in Paris, refusing to
move back here while Alsace was German.
Bartholdi devoted years of his life to realizing the vision of a statue of liberty for
America thatwouldstandinNewYorkCity'sharbor.WhileLadyLibertyishismostfam-
ous work, you'll see several Bartholdi statues gracing Colmar's squares.
Cost and Hours:
€5, free on July 4, open March-Dec Wed-Mon 10:00-12:00 &
14:00-18:00, closed Tue and Jan-Feb, in heart of old town at 30 Rue des Marchands, tel.
03 89 41 90 60,
www.musee-bartholdi.com
. Curiously, even though entry is free on the
Fourth of July, there is no English posted in this museum.
Self-Guided Tour:
The
courtyard
is dominated by a bronze statue,
Les Grands
Soutiens du Monde.
It was cast in 1902—two years before Bartholdi died—and shares his
personal philosophy. The world is supported by three figures representing patriotism, hard
work, and justice. Mr. Hard Work holds a book, symbolizing intellectual endeavors, and
a hammer, a sign for physical labor. Ms. Justice has her scales. And Mr. Patriotism holds
a flag and a sword—sheaved but ready to be used. All have one foot stepping forward:
ahead for progress, the spirit of Industrial Age.
