Frozen in time a woman sits. This is Die Kauernde the Crouching Woman. She’s a bronze sculpture a captivating figure. Her legs are drawn up her feet crossed. One arm rests around her leg. Her right shoulder is forward. Her right forearm lies before her right shin. She sits atop a square pedestal. It’s made of layered red sandstone.
Die Kauernde is the work of Georg Kolbe a renowned German sculptor. It wasn’t created in a single stroke. It began as a smaller piece called the “Kleine Kauernde” the small crouching woman. This smaller version was part of a fountain commissioned by a banker and art collector. The fountain stood behind Kolbe’s villa in the Tiergarten. Sadly both the villa and the fountain were destroyed in World War II.
This larger version of Die Kauernde is a mechanical enlargement. Kolbe however significantly reworked the original. A bronze casting was done in 1935. It was displayed at the Jubilee Exhibition of the Berlin Academy of Arts in 1936. The original model for this bronze unfortunately no longer exists.
Die Kauernde is more than just a beautiful sculpture. It reflects Kolbe’s artistic journey. His style evolved over time. It reflects his interest in classical art. It also reflects his belief in capturing moments of deep sensuality.
Consider the posture. The woman’s pose is both delicate and strong. It’s a study in human form. It also represents a new vision of humanity. This is a vision of freedom. This vision was typical for Kolbe’s work. It’s something he explored consistently in his sculptures.
In 1979 a reconstruction of the original fountain was made. This reconstruction served as a gift from the Georg-Kolbe Museum. It was a gift for a retirement home in Zehlendorf.
So take a moment to contemplate Die Kauernde. Marvel at her beauty her form her enduring power. This sculpture tells a story. It’s a story of artistic creation loss and rebirth. It also symbolizes a deep connection to the human spirit. It is a true masterpiece of German sculpture.