Statue of Johannes Gutenberg, Bronze monument in Place Gutenberg, Strasbourg, France
This bronze statue in Place Gutenberg shows Johannes Gutenberg holding a Bible page while standing on a granite base decorated with four relief panels. The composition emphasizes his role in spreading printed knowledge through its symbolic arrangement.
The monument was completed in 1840 by French sculptor David d'Angers, during a period when Strasbourg celebrated its printing heritage. The work was created as the city honored its history as an early printing center and sought to commemorate Gutenberg's invention.
The relief panels around the base show writers from different continents, including Erasmus, Chaucer, Voltaire, and Benjamin Franklin. These figures illustrate how printing connected thinkers across different parts of the world.
The monument stands in Place Gutenberg, which is easily accessible through multiple pedestrian pathways and located near Strasbourg Cathedral. The square itself is surrounded by cafes and shops, making a visit easy to combine with other activities in the area.
The inscription 'Et la lumière fut' (And there was light) appears on the Bible page held by the figure. This phrase from the creation story symbolizes how the printing press brought enlightenment and knowledge to the world.
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