Location
Austria, Styria, Graz
Karlau square in Graz (Karlauplatz in Graz)
Gries
Artwork
The Marian column at Karlau square in Graz
Type
Sculptural group
Inscriptions
- Errichtet 1762/Rest. 1829 und 1930/Gesamtrenoviert/Stadt Graz/1955 (in a cartouche on the column)
Critical History
According to the inscription of the rocaille-cartouche on the column, the sculptures were created in 1762. Therefore they are attributable to Philipp Jakob Straub’s late style in which he made stone figures not only for the profane, but also for the sacral area.1 The focus rests on the sculpture of Mary, standing on top of the column. She is flanked by four male saints: At the foot of the column there are St Sebastian and St James the Elder, one level below we see a unknown saint with book and a hat in his hands as well as St Florian. All saints are depicted with their typical attributes. On the back side of the column, on the same level as Sebastian and James, there is St Joseph, holding Child Jesus in his arms. On the front side, at the foot of the column, there is a lush decorated vase, which is characterised by a plastic and inventive decoration which conforms to the typical moved surface of Straub’s sculptures.
Construction / Execution
The sculptures are made of carved sandstone with some metal supplements (arrows in St Sebastian’s body, nimbus of Mary). Moreover, some sculptural parts are gilded (e.g. shells on St James’ coat).
Components
- Sculpture
- Author: Philipp Jakob Straub (Wiesensteig 1706 – Graz 1774)
- Completed: 1762
- Technique(s): stone carving
- Material(s): sandstone
Comment
The sculpture of St Joseph with Child Jesus stands out compared to the other statues. The rich drapery of his voluminous clothing is very dynamic and supports the movement of his body. The face with a gentle expression is characterised by fine features. It’s a very interesting fact, that the statue is located on the back side of the column and therefore cannot be seen in the main view.
Conservation-restoration
- 1955
Treatment Description
In 1955 an overall restoration took place.
- 1879, 1930
Treatment Description
According to the inscription of the cartouche on the column, it was restored in 1879 and 1930.
Images
- The Marian Column of Karlauplatz, Graz (photo by Anja Lindbichler, 2018)
- Mary, detail, Marian Column, Karlauplatz (photo by Anja Lindbichler, 2018)
- St Florian (right), detail, Marian Column, Karlauplatz (photo by Anja Lindbichler, 2018)
- St Sebastian (left), detail, Marian Column, Karlauplatz (photo by Anja Lindbichler, 2018)
- St James (right), detail, Marian Column, Karlauplatz (photo by Anja Lindbichler, 2018)
- St Joseph with Child Jesus, detail, Marian Column, Karlauplatz (photo by Anja Lindbichler, 2018)
Catalogue entry prepared by Eva Klein and Christina Pichler
Recommended citation: Eva Klein and Christina Pichler, The Marian column at Karlau square in Graz, in: TrArS – Tracing the Art of the Straub Family, 2018, (accessed 27/01/2026) URL
