Große Kriechende Statue

Did the sculptor Georg Kolbe ever imagine his “Große Kriechende” would become such a beloved landmark in Hamburg’s Stadtpark? Right here, near the Planetarium and Festwiese, two limestone women forever crawl and stretch. The Große Kriechende, also known as “Badende Frauen” (Bathing Women), was created in 1927. These aren’t typical poses. Kolbe defied convention. He presented bodies as abstract art, not portraits or characters in a story. Look closely at the northern figure of the Große Kriechende. Notice how she seems to crawl, her body supported by her limbs. The southern figure stretches her left arm back, holding her foot. Kolbe’s sculptures fill the space with dynamic energy. The figures twist and turn. The spaces between them become part of the artwork. The limestone base seems to merge with the women. This dynamic style contrasts with other female sculptures in Stadtpark. Think of the more traditional depictions of Eve, Diana, or the Bather. Kolbe’s Große Kriechende pulsates with a unique, expansive energy. The inscription on the sculpture reveals it was commissioned by Frau Henry Budge. It’s a testament to a patron’s vision and an artist’s skill. Kolbe, born in 1877, had a rich artistic journey. He studied painting in Dresden and Munich. Then he moved to Paris and later Rome. He eventually settled in Berlin. Kolbe even survived the Nazi era. Some of his works were removed from public display. He participated in the Große Deutsche Kunstausstellung. But he also advocated for artists deemed “degenerate.” Today, the Georg Kolbe Museum in Berlin houses a vast collection of his work. As you leave the Große Kriechende, consider Kolbe’s artistic legacy in Hamburg’s Stadtpark. These crawling and stretching figures offer a unique perspective on the human form.