Six bronze herons take flight. That’s the Auffliegende Reiher sculpture before you. Created in 1967 by Gerhard Brandes this artwork is a masterpiece of motion. It sits proudly on a small pedestal in a lake. The lake is part of the Altendeicher Wettern in Hamburg Wilhelmsburg.
The Auffliegende Reiher sculpture isn’t just six birds. It’s a story frozen in bronze. Four herons appear to be rising. Their wings are spread wide. They still touch the pedestal. Two more are already airborne. They soar above their companions. The entire scene is dynamic. It captures the precise moment of ascent.
Brandes’s skill is evident in the detail. Each feather seems to ripple with the wind. The herons’ bodies are poised. They convey a sense of powerful effortless flight. The Auffliegende Reiher is more than static art. It’s a vibrant testament to nature’s beauty.
The sculpture was commissioned as part of a Kunst am Bau program. This initiative integrates art into public spaces. A housing company now SAGA purchased the Auffliegende Reiher. The artwork has remained in its possession. It has stood as a symbol of urban renewal. It connects art with everyday life.
This particular location was chosen carefully. The Auffliegende Reiher sculpture sits on the western bank of the lake. Across the water stand the buildings of Schwentnerring 16a/16d. The contrast between the natural and the built is striking. The herons seem to connect both realms.
The Auffliegende Reiher sculpture shares similarities with another of Brandes’ works. The Ziehende Kraniche created in 1970. Both pieces show birds in flight. Both highlight the artist’s mastery of capturing movement in bronze. The Auffliegende Reiher however holds a special place. It is a singular expression of dynamism and grace.
So gaze upon the Auffliegende Reiher. Feel the energy of its flight. Appreciate the artistry of Gerhard Brandes. Let the herons lift your spirits. They are a reminder of the beauty that can be found even in the heart of a city. Remember this unique sculpture. It is a precious part of Hamburg’s artistic heritage.