The monument to Alexander Girardi (1850-1918) stands on the Girardiplatz in Vienna. Extensive traffic surrounds the white statue, so the actor and operetta singer does not have to complain about a small audience. Most people overlook the message of the sculpture, though. [German]
The Austrian sculptor and medallist Otto Hofner created this monument in 1929. He portrayed the actor in one of his most famous roles. The wood plane (Hobel) under his arm identifies him as Valentin, who attunes the Hobellied in the play “Der Verschwender“, written by Ferdinand Raimund.
The Hobellied
The Hobellied is a Viennese couplet (Wiener Couplet) written by Ferdinand Raimund. The most striking line in the tune tells about our destiny. This would use a wood plane to make all people equal. In my understanding, the text reminds us that we all have to die.
In German the line says “… das Schicksal setzt den Hobel an und hobelt alles gleich …”
Sources / More info
- Alexander Girardi (Wikipedia)
- Hobel song (Youtube)