Behold the Drehbare Plastik. This bronze marvel isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. The Kunsthalle boasts a collection of over 6500 three-dimensional artworks. This includes everything from miniature sculptures to monumental modern pieces. The Drehbare Plastik stands as one such impressive piece. It’s a part of a much larger story. A story spanning over two thousand years of art history.
The sculpture collection began in 1891. It was a unique undertaking even by German standards. Alfred Lichtwark the Kunsthalle’s first director had a vision. He wanted a collection of sculptures from prestigious materials. He believed Hamburg deserved a public collection that included sculpture. His vision was ambitious. He was knowledgeable and internationally connected. He was also incredibly influential. No other German museum had ever created a collection of international contemporary sculpture. His dedication extended beyond the museum walls. He even oversaw the inclusion of sculptures in public spaces and parks.
Lichtwark’s initial collection primarily consisted of casts of antique and Renaissance masterpieces. These were displayed on the ground floor. They reflected the prevailing artistic ideals of the museum’s founding. Lichtwark expanded this foundation. He added a remarkable selection of coins and medals. He was fascinated by these “sculptures en miniature”. He expanded the collection of these small works believing they belonged to great art. He built connections with significant directors from major international museums. He also interacted with rising sculptors and medalists. He acquired much of the collection directly from German and French studios. He viewed these innovative primarily French art medals as the cornerstone for his systematically developed collection.
During Lichtwark’s tenure the sculpture department grew enormously. He acquired over 150 full sculptures. He also gathered almost 1000 plaques and medals. He always maintained his overarching vision for the museum. He consistently supplemented the collection with graphic and photographic works by sculptors. These provide us with unique insights into their creative processes. His successor Gustav Pauli systematized the collection. He added some outstanding examples of foam coins from the Italian Renaissance and exceptional ancient coins. However even under Pauli the sculpture collection remained somewhat neglected.
Despite these challenges the collection continued to grow. Subsequent directors including Carl Georg Heise and Alfred Hentzen added significant works. They included pieces by Hans Arp Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti. Werner Hofmann further developed the department. His focus was on the significance of multi-materiality. He emphasized the variety of forms materials and spatial experiences in 20th-century sculpture. His perspective embraced the multi-material explorations of the third dimension. This includes Picasso’s rejection of traditional materials and anthropomorphic conventions.
Today the Drehbare Plastik stands as a symbol of this rich history. It is a physical embodiment of artistic innovation and perseverance. As you gaze upon it you’re not just looking at a sculpture. You are witnessing a tangible piece of Hamburg’s cultural heritage. You are also a witness to a legacy that spans generations. A legacy of vision dedication and artistic excellence. The Drehbare Plastik’s enduring presence invites us to contemplate its place within this vast and compelling narrative.