Behold the Pferd sculpture. This isn’t just any horse. It’s a powerful bronze creation by Josef Thorak. Thorak was a favorite sculptor of the Nazi regime. He crafted numerous propaganda pieces. This particular horse is a mid-size cast. It’s nearly 90 centimeters tall and long. Imagine the original. This powerful horse was part of a larger design. It was meant for Hitler’s New Chancellery. The original horse was meant to be a symbol of primeval power.
This isn’t the only horse Thorak made. He created at least three similar horses. Two were life-size and placed at the New Chancellery. Another horse was shown in a 1939 art exhibition in Munich. It was a real eye-catcher. The primeval power of the animal was a focus in the artwork.
Sadly the larger horses had a tumultuous history. After World War II they disappeared. They were later found in a warehouse. This smaller Pferd sculpture however has a unique story. Thorak’s widow used it to pay her son’s school fees. That’s why it is here today.
This sculpture stands as a stark reminder. It’s a piece of history. It represents the regime’s attempt to shape the world through its art. The Pferd is part of a larger conversation. It reminds us to consider the art of the Third Reich. It reminds us to remember history’s lessons. And now it is here for you to see.