Have you ever wondered who might sit and play a lute by the Riedenbach? Here before us sits the bronze sculpture, Mann mit Laute. It is a creation of the artist Hans Gerd Ruwe. Ruwe crafted many artworks for Osnabrück. Some of his works are well-known fountains in the Old Town. These include the Bürgerbrunnen, Steckenpferdreiter, and Waschfrau.
The Mann mit Laute is less known. This sculpture features a male figure. He sits on a base. He is playing the lute. The Mann mit Laute was created in 1983.
Hans Gerd Ruwe was a prolific artist. He was born in Osnabrück in 1926. Ruwe died in his hometown in 1995. His bronze works are known far beyond Osnabrück. Ruwe’s journey included military service. He returned from French captivity in 1948. He then studied stonemasonry. Later, he attended art schools in Hannover and Hamburg.
Ruwe became a master stonemason in 1954. He traveled to Italy, Holland, and France. After these studies, he settled in Osnabrück. He worked here as a freelance artist. Ruwe is known for his large, multi-figured sculptures. The Bürgerbrunnen is one of his most famous works. It stands near the Osnabrück market on the Platz des Westfälischen Friedens. Other works in Osnabrück include Die Waschfrau and Tiergericht.
The lute connects to pleasant things. These include serenades and light entertainment. It’s been this way since around 1500. Imagine the figure playing a gentle tune. He might be wooing a loved one. Or, he provides background music for a feast.
Ruwe’s art enriches Osnabrück and other cities. His works invite us to reflect. They encourage us to connect with history. They also invite us to appreciate the beauty around us. The Mann mit Laute is a reminder. It reminds us of the simple joys of life. It stands as a testament to Ruwe’s artistic vision. Take a moment to appreciate this bronze musician. Let the image of the Mann mit Laute inspire you.