“Brunnen mit Eichhörnchen” – the name itself conjures up an image of playful squirrels scampering around a gurgling fountain. But this captivating fountain, tucked away in the serene setting of the Manegg Cemetery in Zurich, is far more than just a whimsical name. It represents a powerful story of artistic collaboration and a poignant tribute to life and its fleeting nature.
Standing before the fountain, its weathered bronze sculpture of a squirrel captured in mid-leap, its tail gracefully curved, evokes a sense of life’s dynamism. The squirrel perches atop a stone fountain, a perfect balance of nature and human artistry. The “Eichhörnchen”, crafted by the renowned sculptor Ida Schaer-Krause, brings a touch of the wild into this peaceful expanse. The fountain itself, a testament to the ingenuity of Emil Schäfer, is a masterful blend of stone and bronze, its polished surface reflecting the changing hues of the Swiss sky.
This art installation was completed in 1936, a time marked by the Great Depression and the unfolding of a turbulent era. The choice of a squirrel as the central motif is thought to symbolize both playfulness, symbolizing the beauty and innocence of life, and resilience, a reminder that even in the face of hardship, life finds a way to flourish. The fountain serves as a poignant reminder of the cycle of life, death, and renewal in the heart of the cemetery.
As you stand here, gazing at the “Brunnen mit Eichhörnchen”, you can almost hear the gentle gurgle of water cascading down the stonework, a soothing melody echoing through the stillness of the cemetery. For a moment, the hustle and bustle of the city seem to fade away, replaced by the quiet contemplation of this quiet sanctuary. This is a place where the beauty of nature and the skill of human artistry meet, creating a space for contemplation and reflection. The “Brunnen mit Eichhörnchen” is a powerful reminder that even in the face of mortality, life persists, a testament to the enduring spirit of nature and the human spirit.