Fohlen Sculpture

A concrete foal frozen in time. That’s the Fohlen Sculpture in Freiburg, a seemingly simple artwork with a vibrant, ever-changing story. The Fohlen Sculpture, or “Holbeinpferdle” as locals affectionately call it, isn’t just a statue. It’s a canvas, a chameleon, a reflection of the city’s playful spirit. Officially titled “Stehendes Fohlen aus Betonguss” (Standing Foal, Concrete Cast), the Fohlen Sculpture was created by Werner Gürtner in 1936. Standing tall at 1.90 meters and weighing a ton, it was originally a plain concrete sculpture. But in the 1970s, something magical happened. Anonymous artists began transforming the Fohlen, painting and decorating it under the cloak of night. The Fohlen Sculpture became a public art project, its appearance changing sometimes daily, reflecting current events, political statements, or simply whimsical artistic expressions. One day, it might be a zebra. The next, it could sport the colors of a local football team. It’s been a Milka cow, a Brent Spar protest symbol, even a canvas for declarations of love. The Holbeinpferdle has even donned the garb of the Bremen Town Musicians’ donkey and been shrouded like the Reichstag during Christo’s wrapping project. This constant transformation has made the Fohlen Sculpture more than just art. It’s a living, breathing part of Freiburg’s identity. Its reinventions are documented in photos, postcards, and even television features. While the city has attempted restorations, returning the Fohlen to its original concrete state, the artistic drive is too strong. Each cleaning is met with a fresh wave of creative expression, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Holbeinpferdle and the community that embraces it. So, as you stand before the Fohlen Sculpture today, consider its journey. From a simple concrete foal to a dynamic symbol of Freiburg’s creativity, it reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places, constantly evolving and engaging with the world around it.