Lot 537 D

In the mid 1980s, Markus Lüpertz devotes himself increasingly to Roman mythology and apart from canvas works also designs large bronze sculptures that explore the classic motif of the circle. The present sculpture titled Genius die Freiheit schützend is evidence of Lüpertz' fascination with classical art. In Roman mythology, the genius was considered the guardian spirit of man, from whom he hoped to receive help in difficult situations of life. Furthermore, as the so-called genius-loci he did not only relate to religious places but also to profane areas such as squares or provinces. Hence, Lüpertz' genius, which came into being during the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, is to be construed as an urban guardian spirit. With its expressive stylistic idiom, the sculpture seems to amalgamate all desires and hopes of those times. Full of expectations and optimism, the sculpture gazes straight ahead. She is protectively holding a small and delicate dove in her as hands as a symbol of peace.