Pelikanpärchen Sculpture

“Have you ever seen a pair of pelicans sculpted in bronze?” The Pelikanpärchen sculpture stands before you. It’s a charming sight. These aren’t your typical realistic pelican statues. They’re slightly stylized. Their forms are simplified yet capture the essence of pelicans. One pelican’s head is bowed. It seems to be gazing off to the right. The other pelican is more upright. It meticulously preens its feathers. This bronze pair sits perched atop a rectangular basin. This basin was once a functioning fountain. It now serves as a quiet pedestal. The Pelikanpärchen is more than just a pretty decoration. It’s a work of art. It was created by Erich F Reuter in 1963. It’s often mistaken for a copy of a similar sculpture by Edmund Otto-Eichwald. That is wrong. The Pelikanpärchen on Karolinger Platz is strikingly different. It is more modern and less naturalistic. Its placement on a stone basin is similar to another Reuter work. That other sculpture was in front of the former tax office in Steglitz. The patina of the bronze is a lovely green. This adds to the sculpture’s age and charm. The texture of the bronze is summarily held. The forms are smooth. There’s a simplicity to it all. It fits well with the architecture around it. The Pelikanpärchen sculpture is a wonderful example of mid-20th-century art. It’s a quiet and unassuming piece. It quietly enriches the space around it. The pelicans stand as a testament to beauty and artistry. They watch over the passersby from their quiet corner. They remind us to appreciate the small details. They are an unexpected delight. So take a moment. Truly observe this amazing little sculpture. It’s a moment of peace in the busy Berlin streets. Appreciate its beauty. Notice the subtle details. Let the Pelikanpärchen charm you.