Medieval sculptures in motion – Praymobil
From November 29, 2025, to March 15, 2026, the Suermondt Ludwig Museum in Aachen, Germany, will showcase an aspect of medieval art that has received little attention to date. Sculptures of that time did not just stand lifelessly in churches, some of them came alive so it seemed and enabled people to participate in the history of salvation and to involve them emotionally in the events. During church services, religious ceremonies, and mystery plays, visitors could experience exciting and surprising representations of biblical events. Initially static, the sculptures were set in motion by hidden mechanisms, making the figures appear as if they were alive. Sculptures, mostly made of wood, opened their eyes and mouths, they could move their arms and legs, and there were figures that cried, bled, and spoke. Holy Spirit doves flew down into the nave of Gothic churches, and angels floated up to heaven.
To accompany the exhibition, Michael Imhof Verlag is publishing a formidable catalog that sheds light on the background and provides detailed information on the more than 80 exhibits. A look inside the book can be found there too.
PS: For those who will not know the meaning of the word Praymobil – it is a wordplay that refers to little figures produced by the german toy company Playmobil (similiar to LEGO). So the word Praymobil relates to movables figures that believers could worship attracted by their playful manner.
(c) 2025 Illustration by Michael Imhof Verlag Germany