Isn’t it endearing? The Füchsin mit Jungen sculpture captures a tender moment. This artwork by Hans Martin Ruwoldt shows a mother fox with her cubs. It stands proudly on Meister-Francke-Straße. The Füchsin mit Jungen was created in 1951. Ruwoldt used ceramic for this piece.
Hans Martin Ruwoldt was born in Hamburg in 1891. He trained as a sculptor in Rostock from 1906 to 1909. Later, he studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule Hamburg. He was in Richard Luksch’s sculpture class from 1911 to 1914. Ruwoldt opened his own studio in Hamburg in 1922. He completed many commissions for Hamburg’s buildings and facilities. In 1928, he joined the Hamburg Secession.
During the Third Reich, his abstract works were not favored. So, he mainly created representational sculptures. He often depicted predators like panthers, tigers and eagles. After the war, he led the sculpture class at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste Hamburg. He was head from 1955 to 1959. Hans Martin Ruwoldt died in Hamburg in 1969.
The Füchsin mit Jungen shows a fox sitting upright. Two cubs nestle comfortably at her feet. The design is simple with smooth shapes. This gives the sculpture a slightly abstract look.
There is another Füchsin mit Jungen sculpture. It is also made by Ruwoldt in 1951. This one is located at Osdorfer Weg 24 in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld. It stands in front of the Große Flottbek elementary school entrance. This sculpture was bought as part of the “Kunst am Bau” program.
The Füchsin mit Jungen embodies maternal love. Ruwoldt’s skillful reduction creates a timeless image. Take a moment to appreciate the simple beauty. Consider the artist’s life and work. This sculpture provides a glimpse into Hamburg’s art history.