Liegende Sculpture

Hidden within Berlin’s Springpfuhlpark rests the Liegende Sculpture. It’s a larger-than-life bronze figure of a reclining woman. The Liegende Sculpture captures a moment of quiet contemplation. She lies on her right hip, her upper body propped up by her right arm. Her left arm is relaxed behind her head. Her gaze drifts dreamily into the distance. The Liegende Sculpture wears a close-fitting dress. It reveals the curves of her body. She rests on a rectangular concrete base. The base has a metal plaque. It identifies the sculpture as “Grosse Liegende” by Siegfried Krepp. The plaque also notes the material as bronze and the approximate installation date after 1985. The Liegende Sculpture has a fascinating history. Originally created between 1966 and 1971, it was first exhibited in 1975 at the Galerie am Prater. Later that year, it was featured in the “Plastik und Blumen” exhibition in Treptower Park. The sculpture then graced the Galerie im Turm in 1976. It garnered praise for its sensitive portrayal of the female form. The Liegende Sculpture was purchased by the East Berlin city council. It was placed in the Park an der Spree (now Marx Engels Forum) in the late 1970s. It remained there until at least 1985. In 1986, the Liegende Sculpture found its current home in Springpfuhlpark. This was part of an art initiative for the Leninallee housing complex. The sculpture was initially intended to have a natural stone base. Due to material shortages, it was eventually placed on its current concrete pedestal. The Liegende Sculpture is sometimes confused with another sculpture by Krepp. This other piece, titled “Grosse Liegende (Sommer),” depicted a nude female figure and was located in Park am Obersee. Unfortunately, it was stolen in 2013 and remains missing. The Liegende Sculpture in Springpfuhlpark offers a moment of tranquility. It serves as a reminder of the rich artistic history of East Berlin.