zeit.de
Altötting's Black Madonna: A 100-Year-Old Copy Protects a 700-Year-Old Original
A 100-year-old near-identical copy of the 700-year-old Black Madonna in Altötting, Germany, was secretly created in the 1930s to protect the original during the Nazi era; today, it serves as a replacement for the original during high-risk events.
- What condition is the original Black Madonna in, and what measures are taken to preserve it?
- The creation of the copy was a secret mission, undertaken at night by sculptor Josef Neustifter senior. The original Madonna shows signs of age and fragility, including woodworm damage and a crack. Experts recommend careful handling to preserve the original.
- What prompted the creation of the Black Madonna's near-identical copy, and what role did it play in recent history?
- The nearly 700-year-old Black Madonna statue in Altötting, Germany, has a 100-year-old copy created in the 1930s to protect the original during the Nazi era. A fragment of the original Madonna was incorporated into the copy, making it a significant replica. This copy served as a replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing restrictions.
- Considering the original Madonna's fragility and age, what future strategies can ensure its preservation and continued accessibility to pilgrims?
- The copy's creation highlights the vulnerability of historical artifacts and the need for protective measures. While the original's longevity is uncertain, ongoing restoration and the existence of the copy provide a degree of protection against complete loss. The copy's use during the pandemic demonstrated its practical value.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral. While the focus is on the existence and significance of the Madonna's copy, this is presented within the broader context of the Madonna's history, preservation, and the concerns surrounding its fragility. The headline could be considered slightly sensationalist, but the article itself avoids overt bias.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. There is some use of potentially emotive language (e.g., "fragile," "precious"), but this is used descriptively and doesn't appear to distort the facts or promote a particular viewpoint.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the careful preservation efforts for the Black Madonna statue, a significant cultural artifact. Creating a copy to protect the original demonstrates responsible management of cultural heritage, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) which promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. The measures taken to protect the statue from damage during transport and clothing changes reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.