“Poulain”. You might wonder why this playful bronze sculpture graces the corner of Geneva’s Place du Rhône. It’s not just a playful piece, it’s a tribute to a long-forgotten tale. This sculpture, crafted by Jakob Probst, tells the hidden story of the little foal, “Poulain”, who became the symbol of resilience and hope for the people of Geneva.
The story goes back to a devastating storm that raged through Geneva in the 18th century. The floodwaters rose, engulfing the city, and the people were desperate for rescue. Amidst the chaos, a young foal was swept away from its stables. It bravely swam through the turbulent waters, its tiny hooves struggling against the currents. After hours of fighting against the overwhelming forces of nature, the foal finally reached the safety of a small island in the middle of the flooded city.
Miraculously, the foal survived the night. Despite the chaos, the exhausted foal whinnied, its voice echoing through the storm-battered city. It was a sound of hope, a reminder that life could endure even in the face of adversity. The people of Geneva heard this sound, their spirits lifted by the resilience of the tiny creature. They, too, found hope and strength in the foal’s determination.
The story of the foal spread like wildfire and in the years that followed, “Poulain” became a symbol of Geneva’s people. The foal became a legend, immortalized in countless tales and songs. The city, which had once been on the brink of despair, began to rebuild, drawing strength from the indomitable spirit of the foal. The little foal had become a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of perseverance even in the darkest of times.
When you look at the sculpture, you can almost hear the triumphant whinny of the foal, its bronze form shimmering with the light of Geneva’s sun. It’s a reminder of the city’s rich history, a testament to the enduring spirit of the human heart and, perhaps, a whimsical smile at the resilience of a little foal against the forces of nature.