The Antique Column

The Tuscan form of Roman columns, based on the findings in the surrounding areas of Basel, was often utilised in the decoration of landscape gardens. The columns, with their simple yet elegant forms,  served as a connection with nature at this time.

It is not completely certain whether this was a genuine column from Augusta Raurica or whether it was a wooden replica which had been painted white. The column did not stay in the Ermitage for very long. The sundial was directly attached to the column. It was very simple and only showed midday. The column symbolises the connection between earth and sky, in that it reaches upwards from the earth. It is also a symbol of time, the changes in nature through the seasons but also the transience of life even in regards to people.