Oedipus and Antigone Fine Arts Collection #2000:01:01 Artist: Gerhard Marcks, 1889-1981 Nationality: German Date: 1960 Medium/Technique: Bronze This sculpture of the two figures, Oedipus and Antigone, and the base were cast as a single piece with an approximate weight of 1400 lbs. It is the fourth cast from the original clay and plaster mold. It was produced by the Barth foundry in Westphalia which specializes in Marcks sculptures, among others. The work is anchored to a concrete pad which matches the aggregate surface of other CFL floors and surfaces. Dimensions: 93" x 37 3/4" x 37 3/4" Location: Southeast Corner, Center for Faith and Life

Notes:
This sculpture was given to Luther College by Wilfred and Ruth Jensen Bunge, and formally received at a senior honors day convocation May 10, 2000. Six castings have been made of this sculpture, but only two are located in the United States. The work was purchased through the Lempertz-Contempora art gallery in Cologne, Germany, from the artist's estate.

The statue was inspired by Oedipus at Colonus, one of three plays about Oedipus written in the fifth century BCE by Greek dramatist Sophocles. Through a tragic series of incidents beyond his control, Oedpius unwittingly killed his father and married his mother, thereby fulfilling a prophesy told to his parents when he was born. Once he learned what he had done, Oedipus blinded himself in grief and wandered Greece as a beggar, accompanied by his daughter Antigone. An outcast to most, Oedipus was allowed into Attica by the King of Athens, where his life ended when he entered an olive grove and was never seen again - apparently taken up by the gods. The sculpture depicts Oedipus as he is about to enter the olive grove and gain release from his life of suffering and agony. Knowing that the end is near, he separates from his loving daughter, Antigone, who can no longer help him. Oedipus must face death alone.

David Kamm
Gallery Coordinator

Jane Kemp
Supervisor, Fine Arts Collection

Updated 9/18/01