Gazing up at Das große Lebensspiel, one can’t help but feel a sense of wonder. This bronze sculpture, created by Lotte Ranft in 1989, stands tall in Salzburg, Austria. It’s located at Müllner Hauptstraße 48, in front of the University Hospital Salzburg’s Children’s and Youth Surgery building. Das große Lebensspiel, meaning “The Great Game of Life,” depicts a powerful scene of a mother and child. The mother stands grounded before a wagon axle, a symbol of stability and the journey of life. Above her, a child on a tricycle seems to float, carried by a balloon, yet securely held by the mother’s hand. The two wheels, the wagon and the tricycle, intertwine, representing the interconnectedness of their lives and the cyclical nature of life itself. Lotte Ranft masterfully captures the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. The sculpture portrays the ever-evolving relationship between parent and child. It’s a beautiful depiction of growth, change, and the continuous motion of life’s journey. The bronze, partially painted, stands an impressive 5 meters high. Das große Lebensspiel isn’t just a static piece of art. It’s a dynamic representation of the human experience, inviting contemplation on the bonds that connect us and the constant push and pull of growth and independence.
Höglwörther See
Did you know that Kloster Höglwörth Abbey was once on an island in the Höglwörther See? This beautiful lake nestled