What whispers does bronze hold? Right here stands the Daphne Statue. It is not just art. It is a story frozen in time. This Daphne is a bronze sculpture created by Marlene Neubauer-Woerner in 1975. Since August 2007 it has graced the park at Wahnfriedallee.
Daphne’s tale begins in Greek mythology. She was a nymph. The god Apollo loved her. He pursued her relentlessly. To protect Daphne from Apollo, Zeus transformed her into a laurel tree. “Daphne” means “laurel” in Greek. The Daphne Statue captures this pivotal moment. You can see the transformation. Limbs morphing into branches. The body becoming bark.
Originally, the Daphne Statue stood as a fountain. It was erected on October 8, 1976. Its first home was Orleansplatz in Haidhausen. As the square was redesigned, the fountain was moved to storage. It risked being forgotten. Fortunately, it was relocated. It now stands in the park at Wahnfriedallee. Sadly, the fountain element was not rebuilt.
Imagine the Daphne Statue as a fountain. Water would cascade around her. It would mirror the flowing river. This detail would have amplified the transformation story. Now, appreciate the statue’s detail. Neubauer-Woerner captured Daphne’s essence. The bronze reflects light and shadow. This brings the myth to life.
Note the statue’s setting. The park offers a peaceful backdrop. This contrasts with Daphne’s frantic flight. The Wahnfriedallee provides a serene space. It allows contemplation of the myth. Consider the artist’s choice of bronze. Bronze is enduring. It symbolizes Daphne’s eternal transformation. She lives on as a tree.
Pause and reflect on Daphne’s story. It is a tale of love and escape. It shows divine intervention. The Daphne Statue is more than metal. It is a symbol of metamorphosis. It embodies the power of myth. The statue connects us to ancient stories. It reminds us of nature’s embrace.
The Daphne Statue now resides in Bogenhausen’s Priel. The Daphne Statue has stood here since 2007. It is without its original fountain. It once stood at Orleansplatz in Haidhausen.
Take a moment to appreciate Marlene Neubauer-Woerner’s work. She has captured a moment of profound change. The Daphne Statue embodies both flight and transformation. The Daphne Statue is a reminder of ancient myths. It is a tribute to the enduring power of art.