Beneath the open sky, three figures forever spin. Here before us stands the Drei Tanzende Statue. It is a bronze sculpture by Max Schegulla from 1968. This artwork captures a moment of pure joy.
The Drei Tanzende Statue is located near the Seniorenwohnanlage am Wiebischenkamp in Eidelstedt, Hamburg. Max Schegulla’s sculpture presents three nude women. They hold hands behind their backs and spin in a circle. Their feet are close together. Their upper bodies stretch outward with delight.
The Drei Tanzende radiates dynamic energy. It shows carefree happiness. Schegulla’s design is deliberately rough. This emphasizes the fleeting, lively nature of the scene. The focus is on movement as an expression of joy. It is not about a realistic impression.
The Drei Tanzende Statue is sometimes called The Three Graces. These graces are Euphrosyne. She is the “joyful.” Thalia is the “flourishing.” Aglaia is the “radiant.” They are the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome from Greek mythology. They brought grace, beauty, and festivity to humans and gods.
Max Schegulla was born in Trachtenberg, Silesia on January 10, 1918. He studied art history and architecture in Breslau. Later, he studied metal sculpture in Cologne. He was a student of Gerhard Marcks. Schegulla settled in Dierkshausen in the Nordheide. There he built his studio.
His work is diverse. It includes sculptures in steel, aluminum, and bronze. He also created winged altars in churches. These were made of wood and cast-in-place concrete. He made stained glass and concrete glass windows. His work also includes color prints.
His bronze sculptures can be found in private collections. They are also in public spaces in Hamburg, Kiel, Bochum, and Dortmund. Max Schegulla died on April 14, 2008, in Mulsum near Bremerhaven. The Gerhard Marcks Museum in Bremen manages the artist’s estate.
Imagine the laughter echoing around these figures. Feel the energy of their dance. The Drei Tanzende Statue is more than a sculpture. It is a celebration of life and art. It is a reminder of joy in the everyday. This sculpture is a testament to Schegulla’s vision. It brings a moment of lightness to all who pause to admire it.