Imagine a creature with not just two feet, but seven pairs. This is Der Barfüßer. This whimsical bronze sculpture stands here in the Kurt-Halbritter-Anlage. It is located on the banks of the Nidda in Rödelheim.
Der Barfüßer greets visitors with a smile. Maybe he anticipates a picnic or children climbing on him. His friendliness is convincing, despite his strangeness. He has six pairs of bare feet. Hands and more feet grow where ears, a nose, and a tail should be.
The fantasy creature comes from the animal and plant world. The artist Kurt Halbritter compiled this book. In a scientific manner, he describes other beings in pictures and text. One trait of Der Barfüßer is that he carries exhausted pilgrims home after their pilgrimage.
The Kassel sculptor Siegfried Böttcher created the bronze sculpture. It was unveiled in March 2017. Der Barfüßer completes a “laughing gap” on the Grüngürtel circular hiking trail. You are welcome to touch, climb, and play on him.
Kurt Halbritter, a Frankfurt cartoonist, lived in Rödelheim for a long time. There, he designed the original figures for his book “Tier- und Pflanzenwelt”. He was a precursor to the “New Frankfurt School” artist circle.
The sculpture covers about 10 square meters. It was installed in 2017. You can find restaurants in the center of Rödelheim about 500 meters away. The site is accessible. Admission is free. The sculpture is located in a protected landscape. The green space regulations apply.
Der Barfüßer isn’t just a sculpture. He embodies the spirit of playful art. He invites interaction and sparks the imagination. Take a closer look. Notice the details in the bronze. Feel the texture beneath your fingers.
Think about the artist’s vision. Halbritter’s drawings came to life through Böttcher’s sculpture. The Barfüßer isn’t just something to look at. It is something to experience. Climb on his back. Count his feet. Let your inner child come out.
The location along the Nidda adds to the charm. The gentle flow of water complements the whimsical nature of the sculpture. It creates a peaceful oasis. It is a place to relax and enjoy art in nature.
Der Barfüßer represents a unique aspect of Frankfurt’s art scene. It is a piece of “Komische Kunst” or comical art. This art challenges traditional notions. It brings humor and playfulness to public spaces.
As you leave Der Barfüßer, remember the joy and wonder. Carry that spirit with you. Seek out other unexpected moments of art and beauty. Frankfurt is full of surprises. You just need to know where to look.