What secrets does a reclining figure hold? The Hahn v. Christiane Gerstel-Naubereit Statue, a two-meter-long bronze sculpture, has intrigued Freiburg residents and visitors alike since its arrival in 1961. Originally placed at the Platz der alten Synagoge (Old Synagogue Square), the statue sparked controversy. Many Freiburger citizens voiced their disapproval through letters to the Badische Zeitung newspaper and the University. This reclining figure, a recast of a 1953 design, was commissioned as “Kunst am Bau” (art in construction) for the University’s new Kollegiengebäude (university building). The Hahn v. Christiane Gerstel-Naubereit Statue, weighing nearly two tons, quickly earned nicknames, one of the most endearing being the “Emmentaler Venus.” The statue’s artistic merit is evident in its inclusion in exhibitions organized by the Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green, England. This international recognition is further underscored by the impressive insurance value of 1.5 million Euros for each transatlantic journey, a significant increase from its original purchase price of 30,000 Deutschmarks. The Hahn v. Christiane Gerstel-Naubereit Statue stands as a testament to the power of art to evoke strong emotions, from initial disapproval to international acclaim. Its presence enriches Freiburg’s public art landscape, inviting contemplation and sparking conversations about art and its place in society.
Shift Sculpture
Wischnewski’s Shift invites you to engage. Take a moment to walk around it. Observe it from different positions. Let your