Glancing down, the bronze fox atop the Fuchsbrunnen seems to ponder something profound. Right before us stands the Fuchsbrunnen, a charming fountain. It resides in the heart of the idyllic Céciliengärten. This green space holds two fountains. The Fuchsbrunnen graces the northern side. A simpler fountain sits to the south.
Let’s delve into the tale of the Fuchsbrunnen. Its design began in 1912. Paul Wolf, a Schöneberg city building inspector, conceived its architecture. The fountain’s creation was part of pre-World War I improvements. Hopp and Carstedt, a Berlin firm, installed the irrigation in June 1912. Richter and Borchert were tapped to create a fountain system. It included a motor pump.
Max Esser was chosen to sculpt the crowning fox figure. Back in 1912, Esser was August Gaul’s student. Gaul himself crafted the Golden Stag fountain for Schöneberg. It sits in today’s Rudolph-Wilde-Park. Gaul’s creation features a similar design. Perhaps Gaul passed the fox commission to his student.
However, the Fuchsbrunnen’s actual construction was delayed. It finally happened in 1925. This coincided with the landscaping after World War I. The Fuchsbrunnen was restored in 1961. A further renovation occurred in 1989.
Observe the Fuchsbrunnen’s structure. It rests on an octagonal base. A square pedestal supports a large round bowl. A pillar rises from the bowl’s center. It tapers in three tiers. The bronze fox stands proudly atop this pillar.
Notice the fox. It is depicted realistically with slight stylization. The fox stands on all fours. Its gaze is directed downward and its tail is lowered. An inscription marks the base of the figure. It reads “M. Esser 1912”. This confirms that the fox was specifically made for the Fuchsbrunnen. The fox’s downward gaze seems intentional. It acknowledges the water below.
The Fuchsbrunnen’s sculpture is bronze. The fountain itself is stone. The Fuchsbrunnen serves as a gathering spot. Here people appreciate residential design from a bygone era. The fountain represents the collaborative effort of Max Esser and Paul Wolf. It all began in 1912. The fox sculpture adds character. The fountain’s architecture adds structure.
Consider Heinz Erhardt’s poem. “There is certainly much beauty in on the element, the wet. Because you can drink the water. But you can also leave it.” Perhaps Erhardt would have appreciated the Fuchsbrunnen too. The Fuchsbrunnen offers beauty and choice.
Take a final look at the Fuchsbrunnen. It is a testament to artistry. It also reflects thoughtful urban planning. It’s a captivating reminder of Berlin’s rich history.