Behold Mars and Venus locked in a timeless embrace. This isn’t just any sculpture. It is the Mars und Venus by Georg Kolbe. Created sometime between 1939 and 1940 it stands as a testament to artistic vision. The figures are a slender athletic pair. They are depicted as static figures. Their expressions are stern. Their fists are clenched defensively. Their bodies are only partially turned towards each other. Their faces are averted. Mars head tilted sharply to the right holds his right arm bent at the elbow. His fist is raised above his head. His left arm extends downwards. Venus gaze also directed to the right holds her bent right arm before her chest. Notice the dark greenish-black patina. It’s a bronze sculpture. It rests on an irregularly shaped plinth. The sculpture wasn’t always here. It was originally cast sometime between 1939 and 1940. Then it was recast in 1963 for the Georg-Kolbe-Hain. It was unveiled on September 8 1963. The cool and austere composition associates the ancient mythological lovers Mars and Venus. Tragically in 1976 someone severely defaced Venus with paint. Thankfully it was thoroughly cleaned. The plinth bears inscriptions. You can see the foundry mark “GUSS H NOACK BERLIN”. You are also able to see “GK”. This discreet marking stands for Georg Kolbe. The Mars und Venus is more than just bronze and stone. It embodies a poignant piece of history. It’s a story of creation vandalism and preservation. A story etched in bronze for all to see.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in