Beneath the rustling leaves of Pankow’s Bürgerpark stands the Gazelle, frozen in a moment of alert stillness. The Gazelle isn’t merely a statue. It’s a whisper of history, a tribute to artistry, and a testament to the enduring power of nature’s grace. Cast in bronze, the Gazelle captures the very essence of its namesake. It stands proud, head turned slightly as if catching a scent on the wind.
The Gazelle sculpture we admire today was created by Walter Sutkowski in 1957. Sutkowski, a prominent sculptor of the time, was known for his animal sculptures at the Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde. He crafted two gazelle sculptures for the rebuilt Friedrichsfelde Palace, inspired by the renowned 19th-century animal sculptor, Friedrich Wilhelm Wolff. Wolff’s realistic style resonated deeply with Sutkowski. It’s evident in the life-sized Gazelle here in Bürgerpark, as well as a smaller gazelle located in Friedrichshagen.
This Gazelle in Pankow holds a unique place in the park’s history. After a long search for a perfect location, it was finally placed near the renovated entrance gate on Wilhelm-Kuhr-Straße in 1958. This prominent position ensured that every visitor to the park would be greeted by its elegant form. Bürgerpark itself is a green oasis within Pankow, alongside Schlosspark Niederschönhausen, Schlosspark Buch, and Brosepark. Established in 1854 on former mill grounds, the park underwent significant redesigning between 1965 and 1968, shaping the pathways and layout we experience today.
The Gazelle is just one of the many art pieces that have graced Bürgerpark since the 1950s. These sculptures offer a captivating glimpse into the world of DDR-era artistry. Look closely at the Gazelle. Notice the smooth, polished surface of the bronze, contrasting with the textured natural stone pedestal beneath. The pedestal, possibly made of porphyry, mimics the uneven ground of a forest floor. A subtle detail, perhaps, but it adds to the sense of the gazelle being truly in its element. Tragically, one of the gazelle’s horns is missing, a testament to the passage of time and perhaps a hint of untold stories. Inscribed on the plinth are the markings “WS 57 . GUSS SEILER u SIEBERT,” a permanent reminder of the sculptor and the foundry responsible for bringing this beautiful creature to life. As you leave the Gazelle, remember its story. It’s a story of artistic inspiration, careful placement, and the quiet beauty of a creature forever poised in mid-stride.