Anselm Kiefer

Urd, Verndandi, Skuld (Die Nornen) [Urd, Verdandi, Skuld (The Norns)]

About this artwork

Between 1980 and 1983, Kiefer made paintings that revisited images of Hitler’s monumental architecture. Using old photographs and architectural plans, Kiefer transformed symbols of Nazi authority into derelict building-sites. In this work, the vaulted structure contains the unseen presence of the Norns, the three figures of fate in Germanic mythology, named Past, Present and Future. Their names are scratched into the ceiling, while below a glowing fire points to salvation and regeneration. Drawing on the artist’s fascination with Norse folklore and Wagnerian motifs, the work reflects his attempts to reconcile his country’s recent history through the myths of Germanic legend.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Anselm Kiefer (born 1945) German
  • title:
    Urd, Verndandi, Skuld (Die Nornen) [Urd, Verdandi, Skuld (The Norns)]
  • date created:
    1983
  • materials:
    Oil paint, shellac, emulsion and fibre on canvas
  • measurements:
    420.50 x 280.50 x 6.00 cm / 215.00 kg
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
  • accession number:
    AR00036
  • gallery:
  • subject:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Anselm Kiefer

Anselm Kiefer