Paul Matthias Dobberstein (1872-1954), was a German-American priest and architect. Born in Germany, he was originally educated at the University of Deutsch-Krone in Germany. He then came to the United..
more »Paul Matthias Dobberstein (1872-1954), was a German-American priest and architect. Born in Germany, he was originally educated at the University of Deutsch-Krone in Germany. He then came to the United States and became an ordained minister at the age of 24 in St. Francis, Wisconsin. His most well known piece, the Shrine of the Grotto of Redemption, was created in West Bend, Iowa, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City. The Shrine of the Grotto of Redemption is actually a series of grottos that Paul Dobberstein created, featuring other pieces of art. At nearby churches, he created fountains that featured beautiful nativity scenes within them.
Dobberstein created work beginning in 1912 and continued until his passing in 1954. Throughout Iowa and Wisconsin, Dobberstein was generous in his grotto making, creating several ornate grottos in community churches.
This image highlights the vastness of some of his pieces. Resembling a cathedral, he made a towering ornate interior made of these minerals and rocks to glorify his closely held religious beliefs.
Image is provided for educational purposes only. © University of North Dakota. All rights reserved.
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