The artwork titled “Menschensohn,” crafted by Sigmar Polke in 2009, belongs to the “New European Painting” art movement and is classified under the genre of design. It forms part of the “Grossmünster (Zurich), Stained Glass Windows (2009)” series.
The stained glass window presents a study in contrasting silhouettes, featuring multiple pairs of profile faces in various orientations, all set against a predominantly bright background. Each profile appears in black, creating stark shapes that stand out vividly against the light filtering through the glass panes. The arrangement of the profiles in a grid-like fashion imbues the artwork with a sense of symmetry and balance, while the minimalist color palette emphasizes form and structure over embellishment. The surrounding stone arch frames the stained glass, highlighting Polke’s integration of contemporary design within a traditional architectural context. This work encapsulates a cohesive dialogue between modern artistry and historical reverence.
