“Symbol” by Gisela Engelin-Hommes. Have you spotted it yet? This artwork invites reflection on Hamburg’s artistic spirit.
The Symbol Sculpture stands as a testament to artistic expression in Hamburg. It embodies the city’s cultural richness.
The Symbol Sculpture. It’s crafted from bronze. The artist, Gisela Engelin-Hommes, created a thought-provoking piece. This sculpture adds to Hamburg’s diverse art scene.
Hamburg’s art scene has many facets. One of them are buoy-men. They are carved by Stephan Balkenhol. These wooden figures stand in the Elbe.
The buoy-men are mounted on shallow water barrels. They attract the attention of passers-by. Every autumn, the artist brings them back for upkeep.
Balkenhol’s statues can be seen throughout Hamburg. You can see them in front of Hamburg’s public library and in front of the Hagenbeck Zoo.
Hamburg also has a sculpture collection with over 6500 three-dimensional works. They range from art medals to sculptures from the Middle Ages.
The Sculpture Department was founded as early as 1891. It has been expanded for over 110 years. It contains outstanding individual positions.
The main accents of the late 18th- and early 19th-century sculptures lie in German Classicism. Symbolism is represented with multi-material sculptures.
The collection also has portraits and depictions of animals. Alfred Lichtwark noted in 1906 that animals always exert the strongest attraction for museum visitors.
The City Hall in Hamburg also features sculptures. The sculptures on the building represent 20 kings of Germany. There are also sculptures that symbolize virtues.
Hamburg’s Rathaus has a courtyard that is decorated with the statues of bishops. There is also a fountain with a sculpture of Hygieia.
Hamburg is also home to the Bismarck Monument. It is a memorial sculpture dedicated to Otto von Bismarck. It is one of 240 memorials to Bismarck worldwide. The monument stands near the jetties of Hamburg port on the Elbhöhe.
The architect of the Bismarck Monument was Johann Emil Schaudt. The sculptor was Hugo Lederer. The monument is approximately 35 m high. It weighs 600 tons.
The monument has a network of catacombs beneath it. In the years 1939 to 1940, they became an air-raid shelter. The architect’s intent for the catacombs remain unknown.
So next time you stroll through Hamburg, remember that “Symbol” is just one part of the city’s vibrant art scene. It represents Hamburg’s ever-evolving artistic identity.