“A young man stands frozen in time” you might think as you gaze upon the Stehender Jüngling. This isn’t just any statue. It’s a powerful piece of sculpted history right here in Berlin.
The Stehender Jüngling is a life-size sculpture of a young man. He stands tall and naked. His head is slightly bowed. One foot is placed slightly ahead of the other. He appears outwardly stiff and still. Internally however he seems deeply moved. The figure transitions into a plinth at its base. The plinth rests on a flat granite base. A small metal plaque is affixed to the plinth. It provides information about the artist. It also details the title and creation year of the artwork. This is the work of Lidy von Löfftwiz. She created it between 1953 and 1954.
The Stehender Jüngling wasn’t always here. Its placement is linked to a significant period in Reinickendorf’s history. Between 1950 and 1955 the Reinickendorf town hall underwent major expansion. A large extension was built in three phases. It adjoins the older 1911 building to the south. A spacious public square was created before the expansion. It included a fountain trees and benches. The new main entrance opens onto this square. The Stehender Jüngling statue was placed beside this entrance upon completion of the main building section in 1954.
The materials used are equally noteworthy. The sculpture and plinth are made of shell limestone. The base is granite. The plaque is a subtle detail. It’s inscribed with the artist’s name and dates. It also carries the sculpture’s title and the years of its creation. This simple plaque speaks volumes. It tells a quiet story of artistic skill and dedication.
The Stehender Jüngling isn’t merely a statue. It is a silent witness. It has seen the changes in Reinickendorf. It remains a striking piece of public art. It embodies the spirit of postwar reconstruction and artistic expression. It reflects the profound inner turmoil of a seemingly motionless youth. It invites contemplation and reflection on the passage of time. This unassuming figure serves as a powerful reminder of both history and artistic creativity in the heart of Berlin. Its quiet presence continues to resonate. It invites us to pause and consider its story. Its story is also a part of the larger narrative of this remarkable city.