Some parts of a lead sculpture by the German contemporary artist Anselm Kiefer, valued at around $1 million, were stolen from the artist's warehouse in Croissy-Beaubourg, France. Kiefer, 78, is renowned for his bleak sculptures and installations confronting his country's Nazi past, which sell for millions.
The stolen pieces are believed to be large lead books. It's unclear which specific artwork was targeted, but Kiefer's other works, such as The High Priestess/Zweistromland (1985/86), have previously used these hefty imitation books to explore postwar German trauma. For instance, that sculpture refers to the archives maintained by the Nazis.
In a statement, a prosecutor in Meaux informed The Guardian, "CCTV footage revealed four people breaking the car park barrier, entering the premises, and cutting through the steel fence around the artwork. They then took off with lead books that were part of it."
This isn't the first time thieves targeted Anselm Kiefer's large warehouse and made off with his art. A similar incident occurred in 2016 when a 13-ton stack of book sculptures and several tons of raw marble were stolen, resulting in over €2 million in damages. In 2019, thieves also damaged a Kiefer sculpture at the warehouse while trying to take some of its raw lead.
In both instances, French investigators stated that the thieves targeted the materials, not the sculptures, and lacked an understanding of the art's value. Prosecutors in Meaux echoed a similar rationale once again.
This theft occurred amid the release of Wim Wenders's new documentary, "Anselm," debuting in US theaters starting this Friday. The documentary, filmed in 3D, explores Kiefer's art and career, including footage from his warehouse.
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Anselm Kiefer: A Painter of German History and Memory
Anselm Kiefer is a renowned German artist known for his impactful and thought-provoking artworks. Born on March 8, 1945, in Donaueschingen, Germany, Kiefer has left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.
His creations often delve into complex themes, particularly postwar German history and mythology. Kiefer's work is characterized by its scale and use of diverse materials, such as lead, straw, and concrete, which adds a tangible and raw quality to his pieces.
Kiefer's art has been exhibited globally throughout his career, earning him international acclaim. His exploration of weighty subjects and distinctive artistic style have made him a prominent figure in contemporary art. From his massive warehouse to the big screen in documentaries like Wim Wenders's "Anselm," Kiefer's impact extends beyond the canvas, inviting viewers to contemplate the depth and significance of his artistic journey.
Kiefer is known for his use of unconventional materials in his paintings. He often incorporates lead, straw, ash, and other substances into his work, creating a sense of weight and materiality. He uses symbolism extensively, drawing on German history, mythology, and religion to create powerful, evocative images.
His work is often preoccupied with the Holocaust and the Nazi era. He has created several paintings and sculptures that directly address these subjects, and his work has been praised for its ability to confront the dark chapters of German history.
In addition to the Holocaust, Kiefer has also explored other aspects of German identity, such as the country's relationship to nature and its place in the world. His work is often characterized by ambiguity and contradiction, reflecting the complexity of German history and identity.
Kiefer's work has been exhibited in major museums worldwide and has received many awards, including the Praemium Imperiale. He is considered one of the most important living artists, and his work will likely continue to be influential for many years.
Some Anselm Kiefer's Most Famous Works
"The Seven Heavenly Palaces" (1974-1980) is a series of seven large paintings exploring memory, history, and German identity.
"The Raft of Medusa" (1981) is a large-scale installation depicting the Medusa shipwreck, a French frigate that sank in 1816.
"Yiddish Letters" (1982-1983) is a series of paintings that feature Hebrew letters written in lead and ash.
"The Tree of Knowledge" (1987-1990) is a large-scale installation incorporating a tree trunk covered in lead and ash.
"The 24 Stations of the Way of the Cross" (1996) is a series of 24 paintings depicting Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Anselm Kiefer's work is a powerful and evocative exploration of German history and memory. His use of unconventional materials and symbolism creates a unique and memorable aesthetic, and his work has been praised for its ability to confront the dark chapters of German history.**
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