Drawn to this delightful scene? You are now standing before the Knabe, Fisch, Frosch Sculpture. It is a charming fountain sculpture in Berlin. This artwork features a bronze boy with a fish. The sculpture is more than just a pretty sight. It carries a story of artistic creation and historical resilience.
The original “Knabe mit Fisch” was created by Paul Leibkächler in 1925. Leibkächler crafted this sculpture for the Kissinger Platz. The Knabe, Fisch, Frosch quickly became a beloved local landmark. The artist actually based this figure on an older model he had created for the city of Schleswig.
Sadly, the original bronze figure was lost during the Second World War. But the story does not end there. In 1954, a new casting replaced the original. This ensured that the Knabe, Fisch, Frosch lived on for future generations.
The fountain itself is also noteworthy. It features an octagonal basin made of artificial stone. Reddish clinker bricks adorn the basin in a herringbone pattern. A central artificial stone pillar supports the bronze figure. The water flows from the fish’s mouth. The bronze has a dark patina.
Restoration work in 1987 and 1988 added granite slabs to the basin and its surroundings. The Knabe, Fisch, Frosch was officially re-inaugurated on June 30, 1988. The sculpture stands as a testament to enduring artistry.
Another similar fountain exists. This one was created by the artist group Kranolda in 1958. It features a putto-like boy holding a fish. This fountain is in Anton-Saefkow-Park.
The Knabe, Fisch, Frosch sculpture reminds us of Berlin’s commitment to preserving its artistic heritage. So next time you pass by, take a moment to appreciate the Knabe, Fisch, Frosch. Think about the journey it has undertaken through time.