Here stands the Nackter Mann. This sculpture is more than just a naked man. It is a symbol of Karlsruhe and its sports culture. The Nackter Mann is located near the Wildparkstadion. It serves as a meeting point for KSC fans.
Emil Sutor created this artwork between 1958 and 1959. The sculpture is made of Steinguss. It measures approximately 280 cm in height, 66 cm in width and 74 cm in depth. Sutor gifted the sculpture to the sportclub in 1960. He was friends with Erich Schelling. Schelling was the architect of the Wildparkstadion.
Locals fondly call him “Schlotter-Beck”. This nickname comes from Heinz Beck. Heinz Beck was a legendary striker for the KSC. He scored 114 goals until 1961. The “Nackter Mann” enjoys cult status. He is seen as the “twelfth man” of the KSC.
The sculpture represents a new understanding of people. It reflects the post-war era. The heroic depictions of Sutor’s earlier work are gone. His “Kämpfer” from 1938-39 served national socialist ideals. This sculpture simplifies and abstracts the human form.
The Nackter Mann has a turbulent history. VfB fans once vandalized it with red paint. Weather and time took their toll. The once white sculpture turned grey. In March 2024, the restored sculpture returned. It had been undergoing extensive restoration in Kuppenheim. Bernhard Binder, a stonemason, handled the restoration. He closed cracks and restored the original eggshell white color.
The Nackter Mann now stands near the fan curve. He greets the KSC fans. This listed monument is controversial. Despite this, it remains a beloved landmark. The Nackter Mann continues to be a symbol for Karlsruhe. He embodies the spirit of the city’s football culture. So let us appreciate this naked man.