Goethe's Monument, Strasbourg

The monument honoring the German poet and novelist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe can be found at University Square in Strasbourg. Situated within a spacious semicircular area, the Goethe center is marked by a tall pedestal adorned with sculpted reliefs. This pedestal serves as the base for a statue of Goethe, positioned prominently, and is flanked by two seated female statues symbolizing muses.

This monument came to fruition following a competition that took place in 1899. The chosen design was crafted by the Berlin sculptor Ernst Waegener. The unveiling of the monument occurred on May 1, 1904, intended as a tribute to Goethe's time studying at the University of Strasbourg.

Johann Wolfgang Goethe spent a brief period at the University of Strasbourg, spanning from 1769 to 1771, during which he completed his law studies, initiated at Leipzig between 1765 and 1768. Worth noting, Goethe was born on August 28, 1749, in Frankfurt, and passed away on March 22, 1832, in Weimar. His diverse roles encompassed being a lawyer, magistrate, poet, novelist, and an enthusiast of the sciences.

The statue portrays Goethe in an upright stance, holding a cane, and gazing contemplatively at the city from an elevated position. He appears to rest on his travel cane, his cloak draped over his left arm, while his gaze is directed toward the cathedral. Flanking him are two muse figures.

On the left, a seated woman with a lyre symbolizes Polymnia, the muse of lyrical poetry, wearing a translucent gown baring a breast. On the right, a barefooted seated woman draped in a mourning veil embodies Melpomene, the muse of tragedy.