Replica of the Bernward Column (c. 1020-30), from the Church of St. Michael, Hildesheim, Germany c. 1900

Editor: This is a replica of the Bernward Column, created around 1020-30, originally from the Church of St. Michael, Hildesheim, Germany. The Gebrüder Kusthardt are responsible for this reproduction. It looks like bronze or maybe copper. I'm really struck by the narrative spiraling up the column. What exactly am I seeing here? Curator: Ah, yes, it's like a story reaching for the heavens! The original depicted the life of Christ, winding its way upwards in a visual echo of Roman victory columns, but repurposed for spiritual triumph. Think of it as a timeline, not of battles, but of salvation, a climb toward grace. I wonder, does it make you think of anything else? Editor: Hmmm, I guess it reminds me a bit of a family tree, but for a whole religion! I hadn't thought about the Roman influence either, that's a fascinating contrast. Curator: Exactly! It’s a conversation across time, isn't it? A repurposing of power, a claim on history. And now, a conversation with us.