The sculpture by Peter Lenk, depicts courtesan called Imperia - her breast and leg exposed, her arms raised, her hands holding a king and a pope, both naked...
The work deals directly with the memorable Council of Constance, held in this town from 1414 and 1418. Summoned by the King Sigismund (king's figure in Imperia's hand) the council was obliged to end the Papal Schism.
During the four years more than 400 cardinals, archbishops, bishops and abbots debated in the cathedral; on the streets of (then) Constance many prostitutes followed. This medieval 'custom' of clergy and woman of easy virtue going hand in hand was a theme for Honoré Balzac's book „La belle Impéria“ taunting the low morale of churchmanship.
Although Imperia was not present at the Council, she had been one of the most celebrated courtesan in Rome few decades later. The reform of the corrupt morals of the Church - other goal of the Council - had not been accomplished.
However, the cardinals had success on another topic: the eradication of heresy and execution of Jan Hus. After being lured to Constance he was put on trial and publically perished at the stake in the second year of the Council.
Three popes resigned during the council and Martin V was elected; he is present in Imperia sculpture as the naked pope.
The statue is a marvelous work of art, and follows an ancient theme of symbolism. The clear visual connection of the courtesan silhouette with the famous Minoan Snake Goddess dating back to 1600 BCE is interesting. She keeps in her hand two snakes, which could be a remarkable point to the rule of papacy (power) and kingship (money) in the Imperia's hands.
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| Snake Goddess - Crete |
The Konstanzians, having first huge objections to the presence of Imperia statue at the entrance of the harbour, now are proud of the peculiar landmark in their hometown. The statue is almost 10 metres high, and turns around its axis. That's a piece of marvel worth visiting.
Images sources:
Wikipedia {{User:Fb78/Licence}}
