“A terracotta cow?” a child’s voice chirped, breaking the silence. “Why is it staring at that man on a horse?” We are standing before Kuh und Reiter, a whimsical sculpture created by Dieter Duschek in 1985. The Kuh und Reiter offers a playful contrast to the grandeur of the Equestrian Statue of Frederick the Great. This statue dominates the eastern end of Unter den Linden. The bronze masterpiece, created by Christian Daniel Rauch between 1839 and 1851, depicts Frederick II, also known as “The Old Fritz,” in his military finery. He sits astride his favorite horse, Condé, a regal figure against the backdrop of Berlin’s historic boulevard. The statue itself stands an impressive 13.5 meters high. It showcases not just the king but also the spirit of his era. The pedestal is a who’s who of 18th-century Prussia. It features bas-reliefs and sculptures of prominent figures from Frederick’s reign: generals, statesmen, artists, and scientists. It’s a tangible representation of Prussia’s rise to power. This Kuh und Reiter statue, though smaller and less imposing, adds another layer to the historical narrative. It’s as if Duschek, through his terracotta creation, invited us to view history with a touch of humor and a dash of the unexpected. The cow’s unwavering gaze at the majestic king seems to question the very nature of monuments and their place in our collective memory. It’s a quirky, thought-provoking juxtaposition that makes Kuh und Reiter a memorable stop on our tour.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to