Behold Der Schreitende. This bronze man strides purposefully. He is a powerful figure. A young man really. Jörg Kuhn described him as such.
Der Schreitende is more than just a statue. He’s a piece of Berlin’s history. Created by Richard Scheibe either in 1935 or the early 1950s. He originally stood in Lankwitz’s Gemeindepark. Imagine him there for almost thirty years. A silent observer of changing times.
Then in 1989 Der Schreitende moved. He replaced Max Kruse’s “Sieger von Marathon”. That statue returned to the Theater des Westens. Der Schreitende found a new home. A new audience in the newly designed green space Am Karlsbad. A subtle shift of perspective. A silent relocation.
His journey is intriguing. His bronze body subtly reflects the light. Notice the abstract relief on his oval plinth. It’s a testament to the sculptor’s eye for detail. Feel the weight of history. He stands on a low rectangular base. It’s clad in light grey shell limestone plates. The base is slightly indented at the top. Even the base tells a story.
Look closely. You’ll see inscriptions. “R. Sch” is subtly cast into the plinth. On the back edge. Another inscription reads “GUSS H. NOACK / BERLIN”. This foundry cast the bronze man. It is a small detail. It adds a layer to Der Schreitende’s narrative. A legacy of craftsmanship.
Der Schreitende is a symbol. He embodies resilience. He survived war and political shifts. He moved. He adapted. He stands here today. A testament to enduring presence. He continues to walk forward. Through the years. Through the decades. Through the very heart of Berlin.