Lost in thought she sits. This is Die Sinnende Sculpture by Sabina Grzimek. It stands here at Humboldt University. But its story stretches back further.
Die Sinnende, meaning “The Thinker,” embodies contemplation. The sculpture captures a moment of introspection. It invites viewers to pause and reflect.
Grzimek created Die Sinnende between 1972 and 1974. The Democratic Women’s Association of Germany commissioned the artwork. Initially, there was a plan. Die Sinnende was to be placed near a shopping center. This idea was soon discarded.
Christa Reuschel offered insight. She said Grzimek drew inspiration. It came from Walther von der Vogelweide’s poem. The poem is called “Ich sass uff einem Steine.” The sculpture embodies harmony. It also shows inner beauty.
Die Sinnende debuted in 1975. The exhibition “Sculpture and Flowers” in Treptower Park showcased it. Then it was known as “Sitzende” meaning “Seated”. In 1976, it appeared at “Sculpture in the Open Air”. This was in Karl-Marx-Stadt. Later renamed Chemnitz.
The sculpture continued to gain exposure. In 1977, Die Sinnende was part of a Berlin district art show. It appeared again at “Sculpture and Flowers” in 1978. In 1984, it featured in Berlin’s “Everyday Life and Epoch” exhibition.
Grzimek gifted a copy to Humboldt University in 1975. It was first placed in the courtyard. The courtyard was at the Ferdinand Thomas student residence. It stood on Storkower Street 211-225 in Lichtenberg. The university no longer owned these buildings in the mid-1990s. So, in 1995, Die Sinnende was moved. It was relocated to the garden courtyard. This courtyard is at the main Humboldt University building. It is located Unter den Linden.
Another casting was acquired in 1977. The city of Karl-Marx-Stadt, now Chemnitz, purchased it. It was initially part of the “Sculpture in the Open Air” exhibition. In 1980, it was moved. It then stood in front of the Chemnitz Playhouse.
A third casting of Die Sinnende is in Rostock. It resides in the Schwanenteichpark.
Die Sinnende features a woman. She is nude and sits on a rectangular cube. Her upper body leans forward. This creates tension. Her right leg is crossed. It rests over her left thigh. She supports herself with her right hand. Her left arm rests on her left knee. Her head rests in her open hand. Her face is tilted forward. She seems deep in thought.
The sculpture is made of bronze. The base is concrete.
As you stand here, consider Die Sinnende. It is more than a sculpture. It is a journey through time. It is an exploration of thought. It is a testament to Grzimek’s artistic vision. It is an invitation to reflect on our shared humanity.