Observe closely the Geschwister Statue. It stands as a testament to familial bonds. This bronze sculpture captures a tender moment between siblings.
The Geschwister Statue is located in the eastern part of Mueggel Park. It is found in Berlin’s Friedrichshagen district. Theo Balden created this artwork in 1974. Since then, it has stood in this very spot.
The statue depicts a seated young woman. She is balancing her little brother on her outstretched legs. The little boy is naked. This scene exudes innocence and affection. Children love to climb on the Geschwister Statue. Adults often use it as a photo subject. The Geschwister Statue is owned by the city district.
Balden first created a plaster study of the “Geschwister” motif around 1956. In 1962, he created a slightly altered bronze sculpture. This was a large version. It was installed in Friedrichshagen’s Mueggel Park in 1965. The Geschwister Statue has remained there ever since.
Initially, the sculpture was intended to beautify a new housing complex. This complex was located on Kottmeier Strasse in Köpenick-Oberschöneweide. The Mueggel Park’s current structure dates back to the 1920s. At that time, the originally private garden became a public green space.
The construction of the Spree Tunnel in 1927 further prompted redesign. Also a pier for excursion traffic was created. From the 1950s, the neglected park was restored. The historical network of paths was retained. Two sculptures were installed to enhance the park-like waterfront. In 1960, Ingeborg Hunzinger’s “Father with Child” was placed. Then in 1965, Theo Balden’s “Geschwister” was added.
In 1998, the bronze foundry Seiler restored Balden’s sculpture in Schöneiche. During reinstallation, the original brick base was replaced. It was replaced with the current concrete base. The Geschwister Statue represents Balden’s early work in the GDR. He focused on genre-like motifs. The sculpture reflects the then-state-dictated realistic art.
Balden was known to be more unconventional in his plastic art. He was more experimental than most colleagues of his generation. The Geschwister Statue shows a young woman wearing a tight dress. She has a pony hairstyle and a ponytail. She sits and supports herself with her arms. Her legs are stretched forward for abdominal muscle training. A small child sits on her ankles in a romper suit. The siblings look at each other affectionately.
The Geschwister Statue stands as a reminder of simpler times. It evokes feelings of warmth and connection. As you leave, carry with you the statue’s message. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of family.