Beneath a Hamburg sky, two bronze figures forever capture a fleeting moment of childhood joy. We stand before the Bockspringen Sculpture, a testament to the simple pleasure of play. Created by Gerhard Brandes in 1963, the Bockspringen Sculpture depicts two boys engaged in the timeless game of leapfrog. The sculpture, located on Jenfelder Allee, embodies a spirit of carefree abandon. The larger boy, legs braced, bends forward, his hands firm on his thighs, forming a sturdy “bock.” The smaller boy, suspended mid-air, lightly touches the other’s back, his body a study in dynamic motion. Brandes’s work is both naturalistic and stylized. It captures the natural form of the boys while also emphasizing the contrast between their bent and outstretched limbs. This interplay of form adds to the sculpture’s visual appeal. The Bockspringen Sculpture is more than just a depiction of a game. It represents the universal joy of childhood, the energy of youth, and the unburdened spirit of play. Commissioned as part of the “Kunst am Bau” program, the Bockspringen Sculpture was purchased by the housing association, now SAGA, who were responsible for developing the residential area where it stands. Even today, the sculpture remains under SAGA’s ownership. It serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating art into public spaces. The Bockspringen Sculpture invites us to reconnect with our own inner child. It reminds us of a time when simple games brought immense joy. It is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with viewers of all ages.
Allerheiligen Kirche
Hidden within Hamburg’s Neugraben-Fischbek district lies the Allerheiligen Kirche. It serves as a spiritual home for Ukrainian immigrants. The Allerheiligen