Anselm Kiefer

Palmsonntag [Palm Sunday]

About this artwork

'Palmsonntag (Palm Sunday)' refers to the Biblical story of Christ’s journey into Jerusalem shortly before his arrest and execution, when worshippers laid palm leaves in his path. Kiefer’s recent installation comprises thirty paintings featuring palm fronds and stems, alongside a palm tree cast in resin. As the prelude towards Christ’s eventual death, the story symbolises for the artist, the moment between triumph and destruction. Laid on the gallery floor, the fallen tree echoes the body of Christ before his resurrection, suggesting both mortality and eventual renewal.

Updated before 2020

see media
  • artist:
    Anselm Kiefer (born 1945) German
  • title:
    Palmsonntag [Palm Sunday]
  • date created:
    2006
  • materials:
    Palm tree and 43 works on fibreboard with clay, paint, shellac, adhesive, metal, palm fronds, fabric and paper
  • measurements:
    Overall display dimensions variable
  • 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:
    AR00038
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • glossary:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Anselm Kiefer

Anselm Kiefer