The creator of Crowning, Esther Strauß, explained: “There are two figures of Mary in the eight-meter-long cathedral crib; the first one is kneeling with folded hands next to her child, the second one is carrying it on her lap. I add a third Mary who is giving birth to the child the two other figures are taking care of.”
The statue quickly faced criticism, with a petition calling for its removal, arguing that it disregards “the birth of Christ, one of the central mysteries of the Christian faith,” and noting that artists have avoided depicting Mary in labor for the past 2,000 years.
The episcopal vicar for education, art, and culture in the Linz diocese, Rev. Johann Hintermaier, condemned the beheading:
“We knew this installation would provoke debate. If it hurt people’s religious feelings, we are sorry, but I strongly condemn this violent act of destruction, the refusal to engage in dialogue, and the attack on the freedom of art,” the diocesan statement quoted him as saying.
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