Two bronze goats stand poised for battle. Right here we find the “Ziegen auf der Brücke” statue. This artwork offers more than just a charming scene. It presents a moral lesson frozen in time.
The “Ziegen auf der Brücke” depicts two goats facing each other. They stand on a narrow arched bridge made of artificial stone. The sculptor Stephan Horota created this piece. He likely made it between 1974 and 1975. It was erected around 1977.
Look closely. Notice the details. The goat on the right has a full udder and an upright tail. The goat on the left has a drooping udder and a bent tail. These details add depth to the story.
Horota drew inspiration from the fables of Iwan Krylow and Jean de La Fontaine. These tales tell of two stubborn goats. They meet on a bridge. Neither will yield. Their stubbornness leads to their downfall. Both fall into the river below.
La Fontaine’s version paints a vivid picture. Two emancipated goats climb a narrow bridge. It is so narrow. Even two skinny weasels would struggle. Neither goat will give way. Both tumble into the stream. Their stubbornness leads to ruin.
The “Ziegen auf der Brücke” statue is not the only version in Berlin. Another is located in Prenzlauer Berg. Brigitte Jonelat-Saebisch also created an earlier version of the theme. It is located at Kottbuser Damm, Ecke Lachmannstraße. The Lichtenberg statue is believed to be the original cast.
The artwork’s message remains relevant today. It reminds us that compromise is often better than stubbornness. Cooperation can lead to progress. Unyielding pride can lead to a fall. The Ziegen auf der Brücke embodies this.
Once, the statue was colloquially called “Ziegenplatz”. This name came from residents near John-Sieg-Straße. The statue was moved to Schulze-Boysen-Straße.
Observe how Horota exaggerates the natural forms. The surfaces are slightly animated. This approach avoids the common depiction. That is of fighting animals, which was popular in the early 20th century. While the statue illustrates a fable, it lacks artistic transcendence. It remains decorative and contemplative.
Consider the materials used. The bridge is made of artificial stone. The goats are bronze. Over time, the bronze has changed. Some areas retain their original color. But mostly, they have acquired a greenish-dark patina. This transformation adds character. It is a symbol of time’s passage.
The Ziegen auf der Brücke serves as a reminder. It teaches us that flexibility and understanding are important. These are more useful than stubbornness. It is a lesson told through art.